Exploring the

Material Self

By:
Jell Mae Andales
Maria Krisha
Mikyle Castillo
Nicole Madalang
Ronnjee Agan
Xyrus Cel Sta. Cruz
Zenchael Pascua
1.Introduction
2.Factors Influencing the Material Self
3.The Effects of Materialism
4.Methods for Evaluating the Material Self
5.Cultivating a Healthy Material Self
6.The Material Self in the Digital Age
7.The Material Self and Personal Well-being
8.Conclusion
Introduction Definition of the Material Self
The Material Self refers to the collection of possessions,
personal belongings, and physical attributes that individuals
use to define and express their identity.

Material Self According to William James

The material self consists of things that a person has or

entities/institutions that a person belongs to. Thus, things like the
body, family, clothes, money, and such make up the material self.

-”We are what we have”

Importance of Understanding the Material Self

Understanding the material self is crucial as it helps
individuals recognize the impact of material possessions on
their identity, social status, and overall well-being.
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
Composition of
Material Self
 Body
- We strive to make sure that
- Inner most part of our
this body functions well and
self
good

- Intentionally, we invest in our - Any aliment or disorder

body directly affects us.

- We are directly attached to - We do have a certain

this commodity that we cannot preferential attachment to or
live without. intimate closeness to certain
parts because of their value
 Clothes
- The style and brand of
clothes become 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, a
bed, money, a car, a house,
and other things that a person
can call his own possession.
- The material component of
the self can include books, a
bed, money, a car, a house,
and other things that a person
can call his own possession.
 Immediate Family
- These people are likely - When their lives are in
to shape and influence the success, we feel victorious
development of self as if we are the one
identity. holding the trophy and vice
versa.
- When they are in a
- What they do or become disadvantageous situation ,
affects us there is an urgent urge to help.

- When an immediate - Pet could also

family member dies, symbolically define a
part of our self dies person’s identity
 Home
- It is earliest nest of our
selfhood

- Just like the saying “ if

only walls can speak”

- The home is thus an

extension of self , because
in it , we can directly
connect our self
Factors Societal Influences
Influencing the Societal Influences, as a factor influencing the Material Self,
Material Self refer to the impact that external social norms, cultural values,
and economic systems have on an individual's perception of
their identity and self-worth based on material possessions.

Personal Values

Personal values are an important factor influencing the

material self, as individuals may prioritize acquiring and
displaying possessions that align with their core beliefs and
principles.

Consumer Culture

Consumer culture refers to the social and economic

environment that encourages individuals to place high value
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash on material possessions, driven by factors such as advertising,
peer pressure, and societal norms.
 Psychological Impact
The Effects of
Materialism The psychological impact of materialism refers to the
detrimental effects on an individual's mental well-being
caused by their excessive focus on acquiring and possessing
material possessions as a means of defining their self-worth.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact refers to the negative

consequences on the natural world caused by excessive
consumption and wasteful behavior driven by materialism,
such as pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion.

Photo by Clique Images on Unsplash

Methods for Assessing Personal Spending Habits
Evaluating the Assessing personal spending habits under the Methods for
Material Self Evaluating the Material Self section allows individuals to gain
insight into their financial behaviors and patterns of
consumption, providing a deeper understanding of how they
express their identity through material possessions.

Examining Emotional Attachment to Possessions

Examining Emotional Attachment to Possessions under the

Methods for Evaluating the Material Self section allows
researchers to gain insights into individuals' emotional
connections and relationships with their belongings.

Photo by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash

Cultivating a Practicing Minimalism
Healthy Material Practicing minimalism under the Cultivating a Healthy Material
Self Self section involves consciously reducing our reliance on
material possessions and prioritizing experiences,
relationships, and personal growth over accumulating more
stuff.

Developing Sustainable Consumption Patterns

Developing sustainable consumption patterns entails adopting

responsible and mindful habits in the acquisition, use, and
disposal of material goods for promoting a healthy material
self.

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The Material Self Online Shopping and the Virtual Material Self
in the Digital Age Online shopping and the virtual material self refer to the
phenomenon of individuals using digital platforms to acquire
and display material possessions, leading to a shift in how we
define our sense of self in the modern era.

The Influence of Social Media on Materialism

Social media has had a significant impact on materialism

within the concept of the Material Self in the Digital Age, as
individuals increasingly base their self-worth and identity on
possessions and consumerism due to constant exposure to
curated lifestyles and products showcased on these platforms.
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
The Material Self Finding Balance
and Personal Well- Finding balance under the Material Self and Personal Well-
being being section involves effectively managing one's material
possessions and prioritizing self-care practices to enhance
overall well-being.

Exploring Alternative Sources of Happiness

Exploring alternative sources of happiness under the Material

Self and Personal Well-being section involves investigating
other aspects beyond material possessions that contribute to
overall satisfaction and contentment in life.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

 Reflection on the Material Self
Conclusion
In conclusion, reflecting on the material self allows individuals
to better understand how their possessions and physical
appearance contribute to their sense of identity and self-
worth.

Call to Action

In conclusion, individuals should take a moment to reflect on

their material self and consciously evaluate their attachment
to possessions, aiming to prioritize experiences, relationships,
and personal growth over the accumulation of material
belongings.
Photo by Brandi Redd on Unsplash