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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'material self' refer to, according to William James?
According to Russel Belk, people do not regard their possessions as part of themselves.
False
What emotional connection do individuals have with their immediate family in relation to the material self?
Individuals heavily invest emotionally in their immediate family, and their well-being greatly affects their sense of identity.
The __________ represents an extension of the self, where personal experiences are embedded.
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Which of the following is NOT considered part of the material self according to William James?
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Match the concepts with their corresponding definitions:
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According to William James, issues with our body do not significantly impact our self-identity.
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How does clothing influence the material self?
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Study Notes
The Material Self
- William James (1890) introduced the concept of the material self, which encompasses our body, clothes, family, and home.
Aspects of the Material Self
- Body: The central aspect of the material self, strongly linked to our identity, with significant impact on our well-being. Celebrities even insure specific body parts.
- Clothes: Act as a form of self-expression, influencing our attitudes and behavior (Herman Lotze).
- Immediate Family: Integral to our material self, with their well-being directly impacting us due to our emotional investment.
- Home: An extension of the self, infused with personal experiences and objects, significantly impacting our identity.
Material Possessions and Identity
- Russel Belk (1988) stated: "We regard our possessions as part of ourselves. We are what we have and what we possess."
- Our self-identity is closely linked to material possessions from infancy, where we distinguish ourselves through them.
- Possessions gain value when tied to personal happiness, significant life events, or people.
- Items like cherished chairs, vehicles, or books become symbols of the person they belonged to, reflecting our self-concept, past, and future.
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Description
Explore the concept of the material self as introduced by William James. This quiz delves into how our body, clothes, family, and home shape our identity and self-perception. Understand the importance of material possessions in defining who we are.
