Module 2: Material/Economic Self Lesson 3

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason individuals may choose to insure specific body parts?

To reflect an affluent lifestyle

To protect their financial investments

Due to a strong emotional attachment (correct)

To enhance personal aesthetics

According to William James, how does clothing influence an individual's identity?

Clothing can dictate social class status

Clothing is a form of self-expression (correct)

Clothing serves merely as protection from elements

Clothing does not impact self-perception

Which aspect of family primarily contributes to the material self?

Inheritances and shared belongings

Immediate family members such as parents and siblings (correct)

Family traditions and legacies

Family social status and wealth

In James's concept of the material self, what role does one's home play?

It serves as a physical extension of one's identity Signup and view all the answers

What principle from Herman Lotze explains the importance of clothing in personal identity?

Clothing integrates into the consciousness of personal existence Signup and view all the answers

What does William James identify as the innermost part of the material self?

The body Signup and view all the answers

How does the investment of self in material possessions affect an individual?

It creates a strong emotional connection to these possessions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the material self is considered secondary to the body, according to William James?

Clothing Signup and view all the answers

What does Belk (1988) suggest about our possessions in relation to ourselves?

They are parts of our selves. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does consumer culture affect self-identity?

It links personal worth to material wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the home relate to one's self according to the material self perspective?

It serves as a reflection of personal materials and identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of family on self-identity?

Family shapes individual identity through values and shared experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What role do material possessions play in shaping identity?

They serve as symbols of status and can enhance one's self-image. Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone feel happier during the Debit Card Challenge activity?

They can evaluate their self-worth based on items purchased. Signup and view all the answers

How can the philosophy of dress relate to material self-identity?

Dress can express individuality and social status. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the impact of digital self on identity?

Digital self is distinct and separate from real-life identity. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a family member's success or failure have on an individual?

It leads to feelings of pride or guilt. Signup and view all the answers

How is home characterized in relation to selfhood?

Home is viewed as the earliest nest of selfhood. Signup and view all the answers

According to Russel Belk's perspective on possessions, what do we primarily associate with our identity?

The material possessions we have. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response may occur when a possession closely identified with someone who has passed away is encountered?

Difficulty in letting go or selling it. Signup and view all the answers

How has the importance of material possessions changed as individuals grow older?

It generally decreases in importance. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates people to associate high value with material possessions over time?

The happiness and memories associated with significant events. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the home play in the understanding of self and identity?

It serves as a personal extension reflecting experiences. Signup and view all the answers

When feeling an instinct to assist when family is in a disadvantaged situation, what underlying motivation is typically involved?

An awareness of shared identity and connection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 2: Unpacking the Self - Lesson 3: Material/Economic Self

Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the connection between self and possessions.
- Identify the role of consumer culture in shaping self-identity.
- Evaluate one's self based on material possessions.
Introduction:
- Modern life involves constant exposure to sales and consumerism.
- Product advertisements encourage the desire for possessions.
- People often associate possessions with self-identity.
- Belk (1988) argues that possessions are a crucial part of the self.
- There's a direct link between self-identity and material possessions.
Activity: Debit Card Challenge
- Imagine receiving a large sum of money.
- Create a list of possessions you want to acquire.
- Analyze the activity by answering the following questions:
  - How does this activity make you feel?
  - Which item on your list resonates most with you? Why?
Abstraction: Material Self
- William James (1890) described the self in terms of constituents, feelings, and actions.
- The material self encompasses the body, clothes, family, and home.
- Material possessions significantly impact self-identity.
Material Self Components:
- Body: Personal investment in physical well-being. A focus on health and appearance. Some individuals insure certain body parts.
- Clothes: Clothes are linked to self-expression, attitudes, and behavior.
- Immediate Family: Strong connection to personal identity. Successes and failures of family members affect the individual.
- Home: Home is an extension of the self; personal experiences and memories are associated with the home.
We Are What We Have:
- Belk (1988) argues possessions are integral to self-identity
- Possessions have higher value when associated with significant life events or people.
- Even after death, a meaningful object or item reflects identity.
Application: Debit Card Challenge List
- Review your debit card challenge list.
- Categorize possessions by body, clothing, family, or home.
- Reflect on the most significant categories and their connection to your self-identity.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between self-identity and material possessions in this engaging lesson. Understand how consumer culture influences our perceptions of ourselves and evaluate the impact of possessions on our self-concept. Participate in the Debit Card Challenge to reflect on your desires and feelings toward material items.