Understanding the Self - The Material/Economic Self PDF

Course Packet LM02-NGEC Packet 02 03...

Course Packet LM02-NGEC Packet 02 03 0213 Learning Module 2 Understanding the Self Course Packet 03 The Material/Economic Self Knowledge Area Code : SSCI Course Code : NGEC0213 Learning Module Code : LM02-NGEC0213 Course Packet Code : LM02-NGEC0213-03 Learning Module: Understanding the Self 16  Course LM02-NGEC Packet 06 0213 Course Packet 03 The Material/Economic Self Course Packet 03 GROUP 1 Introduction The material self, according to William James, pertains to the objects, places, or even people which have the label “mine”. Such possessions are viewed as extensions of individuals' identities. This topic will help learners come up with critical appraisal of themselves as consumers or materialistic person by recognizing the role of consumer culture on their sense of self and identity. Introduction  We are what we have. - Russel Belk (1988) posits that … “we regard our possessions as part of ourselves. We are what we have and what we possess”. The identification of the self to things started in our infancy stage when we make a distinction from self and environment and others who may desire our possessions. As we grow older, putting importance to material possession decreases. However, material possession gains higher value in our lifetime, if we use material possession to find happiness, associate these things to significant events, accomplishments and people in our lives. There are even times, when material possession of a person that is closely identified to the person, gains acknowledgement with high regard, even if the person already passed away. Examples of these are the chair in the dining room by which the person is always seated, the chair will be the constant reminder of the person seated there; a well-loved and kept vehicle of the person, which some of the bereaved family members have a difficulty to sell or let go of it because that vehicle is very much identified with the owner who passes away; the favorite pet or book etc. that the owner placed a high value. These favorite things are a symbol of the owner. The possessions that we dearly have to tell something about who we are, our self-concept, our past, and even our future. COMPOSITION OF MATERIAL SELF 1. BODY  Inner most part of our material self.  Intentionally, we invest in our body.  We are directly attached to this commodity that we cannot live without.  We strive to make sure that this body functions well and good.  It’s up to you how you want to invest in your bodily self. Learning Module: Understanding the Self 26  Course LM02-NGEC Packet 06 0213  We do have certain preferential attachment to or intimate closeness to certain parts because of its value to us.  There were people who get their certain body parts insured. Course Packet 03  Celebrities like Mariah Carrey reportedly insured her vocal cords and legs. 2. CLOTHES  The style and the brand of the clothes becomes a symbolic significance.  The fabric and style of the clothes we wear bring sensations to the body and can affect our attitude and behavior.  The material component of the self can include books, bed, money, car, house and other things that person can call his own possession.  Clothing is a form of self-expression.  We choose and wear clothes that reflect our self. 3. IMMEDIATE FAMILY  These people are likely to shape and influence the development of self-identity.  Our siblings and parents hold a great important part of our self.  What they do or become affects us.  We place huge investment in our immediate family when we see them as the nearest replica of our self.  When their lives are in success, we feel victorious as if we are the one holding the trophy.  In their failures, we are put to shame or guilt.  When they are in a disadvantageous situation, there is an urge to help.  Pets could also symbolically define a person’s identity.  A person’s pet could be an expression of one’s social status, pride and prestige. 4. HOME  It is earliest nest of our selfhood.  Our experiences inside the home were recorded and marked on particular parts and things in our home.  Just like the saying “If only walls can speak”.  The home is thus an extension of self, because in it, we can directly connect ourself. EFFECTS OF MATERIAL POSSESSION Learning Module: Understanding the Self 27  Course LM02-NGEC Packet 06 0213 Regardless of how much or how little material possessions people have, they are interested in material possessions. Course Packet 03 1. Possessions can be used as status symbol. Cars, house, gadgets, and clothes are the most valuable possessions because they are the most visible in the eye of the others.  Material possessions can be a reflection of hard work and success.  People tend to measure success through material possession. 2. Material possession can make people more motivated to work harder to achieve them. 3. Lack or loss of material possessions can be disruptive to the mental health of some people. MATERIALISM  The importance people give on material possession.  The negative effect of the strong desire for material possessions. MATERIALISTIC PERSON  Someone with a high level of materialism.  Excessively concern with the acquisition of material possessions. Thus, when a person is about to make a purchase, he should ask himself/herself a very important question: DO I REALLY NEED THIS? Learning Module: Understanding the Self 28