Understanding The Self

QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIFFUN CAMPUS
Diffun, 3401 Quirino
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Module 2 LESSON 9. UNPACKING THE SELF: The Material Self

Competencies 1. Develop understanding about the material self;
2. Describe the basic components of the material self; and
3. Develop qualities of a wise buyer.
Discussion Introduction
A person’s possessions like his/her car and house, even family and
friends make up his her material self. Regardless of how much or how
little a person owns materially, he or she will always strive to acquire more
because material possessions are usually reflection of a person’s success
or failure.
Material Self
William James claims that the self is everything that an individual

considers to be his or hers, not only the body and material possessions but
also the reputation and beliefs.
Shaping the Way we See Ourselves

Body
One of the tasks of adolescents is to accept and appreciate the
physical characteristics of their body. However, few adolescents are able to
do this successfully. Adolescents tend to worry about their bodies and
physical appearance. Generally, girls are more concerned about the
appearance of their body than boys. Perceptions about what makes a body
beautiful are usually influenced by the media as shown in television and
the internet.
Clothes
The style and brand of clothes become significant symbols among
adolescents. The clothes they tend to wear are greatly influenced by their
peer groups because adolescents are anxious to conform to what their peer
groups find fashionable and attractive.
People
The material component of the self also includes people an individual
has relationships with such as one’s immediate and extended family
members as well as close friends with whom one feels psychologically
connected. These people are likely to shape and influence the development
of one’s self and identity.
Pet
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Pets could also be an expression of one’s social status, pride, and
prestige as in owning a dog or cat of a very expensive breed.
CONSUMER CULTURE
Consumer Culture is a social system in which consumption is dominated

by the consumption of commercial products. It denotes social arrangement
in which the relations between lived culture and social resources, and
between meaningful ways of life and the symbolic and material resources
on which they depend on, are mediated through markets.
A Consumerist Society is one in which people spend a great deal of time,

money, and energy to ‘consume” commercial products, goods and services.
Consumerism is the consumption of material goods and services in excess

of one’s basic needs and is closely tied to materialism. Both heavily
influence the way individuals view the self. It can be viewed positively and
negatively.
For example people tend to be more motivated and happier when their
wants and needs are met. On the other hand, it encourages people to buy
products and services that they do not really need or afford.
The Role of Consumer Culture on the sense of Self and Identity
1. Social Status Symbol - regardless of how much or how little material

possessions people have, they remain valuable. The more expensive
they are, the more other people are impressed.
2. Objective manifestation of the self – material possessions can be a
reflection of hard work and success. People tend to measure success
through the amount of their material possessions, owning it becomes a
driving force in urging an individual to seek high level of achievement.
3. Defining the Self- it contributes to a feeling of well-being, including a
sense of personal growth and purpose or meaning in life.
However the lack or loss of material possessions can be disruptive to

one’s mental health like people losing their houses and other
possessions because of disasters and calamities.
4. Significant reference of one’s sense of self and identity- people

tend to judge others through their material possessions. The greater
the material possessions, the more likely one will be accepted and
regarded well by other people.
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Negative Effects on One’s Sense of Self and Identity
1. Materialism refers to giving more importance to material possessions

than intangible values. A materialistic person is one who is
excessively concerned with the acquisition of material possession.
2. Psychological Dysfunction- The strong desire for material
possessions could lead to psychological dysfunction or impairment in
functioning such as compulsive buying disorder which is
characterized by an obsession with shopping and buying behaviors
that can cause adverse consequences such as debts.
Developmental evidence suggests that identification with material things

begins quite early in lie but remains high throughout life as people seek for
happiness (Belk, 1988). Nevertheless psychologists identify other social
and cultural factors that seem to be strongly implicated in the etiology of
materialism.
Lack or loss of these material possessions could lead to anxiety,
insecurity, and depression in people who are overly materialistic. Thus
when a person is about to make a purchase, he or she should ask himself
or herself a very important question: Do I really need this?
The state of needs and wants tends to be endless, and thus could cause
negative effects such as dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and depression.
References Alata, E.J.P. (2018). Understanding the Self. Quezon City: Rex Book Store
Corpuz, B. B. et. al. (2015). Child and Adolescent Development. Metro
Manila: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
Monila, J. and Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the Self. Quezon City: C
& E Publishing, Inc.
Magalona, E. and Evelyn S. Sadsad. (2016). Personal Development.
Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.

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QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Module 2 LESSON 9. UNPACKING THE SELF: The Material Self

William James claims that the self is everything that an individual

Shaping the Way we See Ourselves

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Consumer Culture is a social system in which consumption is dominated

A Consumerist Society is one in which people spend a great deal of time,

Consumerism is the consumption of material goods and services in excess

The Role of Consumer Culture on the sense of Self and Identity

1. Social Status Symbol - regardless of how much or how little material

However the lack or loss of material possessions can be disruptive to

4. Significant reference of one’s sense of self and identity- people

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

1. Materialism refers to giving more importance to material possessions

Developmental evidence suggests that identification with material things

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