Material and Economic Self

“A man’s self is the sum total of all that he can call his.”- William James
Material self- all physical elements reflecting who a person is (possession, body, home,
clothes).

- constituted by our bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home. According to

James, we’re most deeply affected by these things because the more we invest
ourselves in these objects, the more attached we inevitably are to them
- objects help make the person but they also show what that person is made of.
Psychologists found that money can powerfully influence our thoughts and
actions.

Evidences that money can change people:

a) Social and Business Value
There are two motivations for completing a given task:
1) By recognizing a task’s social value, a person sees it as a worthy
investment of time and a part of his/her duty, and he/she’s usually happy
to help out.
2) When money is offered as motivation, people start thinking less of social
aspect and more about business value
b) Self-sufficiency and Service
Those who are conscious of money typically strive to be more self-sufficient than
those for whom money isn’t a priority. For example, when given a very difficult
and even more impossible task, money-conscious individuals seemed to have
the most intent on getting the job done alone even when it was not possible to
finish the task solo.
c) Self-view
The amount one earns affects how he/she views himself/herself and others.
Wealthy people believe on class essentialism – the idea that differences between
classes are based upon identity and genetics rather than circumstance. On the
other hand, poor people believe that social class is not related to genes, and that
anyone can be rich or poor.
d) Ethics
Those who perceive themselves to be in higher class are most likely to engage in
unethical behaviour. Piff, in his study labelled the behaviour “self-interest
maximization”- an idea suggesting that those having most money are more likely
to take a “What’s in it for me?” attitude.
e) Addiction
Many addiction begin because a person gets a positive response from a certain
type of behaviour, called behavioural or process addiction- a compulsive
behaviour motivated by a process that leads to a positive outcome.

Earning money can be very addictive for some individuals. The positive feeling
that follows obtaining money can cause chemical reaction in the brain that feels
good. In turn, it can result in a severe preoccupation with money.

The Roles of Consumer Culture on our Sense of Self and Identity

A. Possessions and the Extended Self
• If possessions are valued as part of self, it follows that an unintentional loss
of possessions should be regarded as a loss/lessening of self. For example,
when possessions are lost due to theft or casualty, a process of mourning and
 grief may follow the discovery of theft. It is also applicable when a person’s
loved one has been dead wherein the family mourns for the parted ones.
• Cycle of work and spend – work more to buy more (Schor, 1998). The
income earned determine level of consumption.

B. Special Cases of Extended Self

1) Collections (“I Shop, Therefore I Am”)
• Many collectors who are inhibited and uncomfortable in social
interaction surround themselves with favoured objects upon which they
project human-like qualities. They practically talk to these objects. They
find comfort in being with them and regard them as friends (Godberg &
Lewis, 1978). Having the desire to collect more gives them a greater
feeling of security, and therefore becoming a basis of sense of self and
identity.
2) Pets as Extended Self
• Pets are regarded commonly as representative of self (Foote, 1956).
• Like people, pets are regarded as family members, therefore, it is
significant to name our pets, feed and care for them, and mourn for
their death.
• Pets are often useful as transition objects (surrogate parents) for
children and as surrogate children for adults.
3) Body Parts
• Body parts are among the most central parts of extended self
• Cathexis- involves charging of an object with emotional energy by the
individual. In the context of body parts, it is the emotional
investment/attachment to certain body parts. For example, a person
may have a positive cathexis towards their eyes making him/her feel
confident and proud of his/her appearance. On the other hand, he/she
may also have a negative cathexis towards his/her nose making
him/her feel insecure or dissatisfied. These emotional investments can
influence self-esteem and body satisfaction.
• Loss of body parts is tantamount to losing one’s identity and being. In
a situation where a person experiences loss of limb/hand due to
amputation, he/she may think that he/she is now less of a person.

In conclusion, a person is defined not by what he thinks, but by what he owns.

This is the very meaning of material self.