Materialism Leads To Unhappiness Analysis

The Materialistic Lifestyle is One without Substance

Materialism is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.There is a long running history of Materialism in the world and throughout the times with a direct correlation to a person’s value/self-esteem based on how much stuff they own or how much is in their bank account. 1In the Article “Materialism Leads to Unhappiness,” by Tim Kasser a psychology professor at Knox College writes,“ In consumer-oriented societies there is a correlation between materialistic values and low self-esteem. Because consumer cultures value material goods, many individuals have learned to associate purchasing the right item with well-being. This phenomenon

It’s not just the wealthy 1% of Americans involved in this widespread consumerism. It’s the middle-class families that are working several jobs to pay the phone bills and the car payments they can’t afford. 2Neal Wood author of “Unbridled Capitalism Leads to Cultural Decay in the United States” protests against our modern American consumerist society in his book Tyranny in America: Capitalism and National Decay declaring, “Americans, whether they can afford to or not, seem always to want more in a vain attempt to satisfy their endless desires. Personal satisfaction and contentment have long been forsaken, as fortunate Americans spend their earnings, often on useless commodities”(Wood). No matter age, race, sex, the level of education, or economic status no one in America is free from the influence of

Also providing the younger generations with the financial skills necessary to save money smartly and only spend when it is appropriate would aid in the decrease of materialism. 4Jonathan Rowe and Gary Ruskin wrote in their article “Corporate Marketing Is Responsible for Children's Materialism” that,“The merchandise pushers have invaded the commons of childhood, the free open spaces of imagination and play, and turned them into a free-fire zone of commercial importuning. In some quarters, this appalling situation is seen as success” (Rowe & Ruskin). If legislators or parents were to limit the number of commercials their children are exposed to and instead participate in non-materialistic forms of entertainment such as taking a hike or visiting friends the next generation of adults could pave the way to a happier and healthier