Lesson 3

managing
the material
self
Group 2
 The Team

CARLO DELGADO KYLE MICAH YUMANG DANIELLA BAON RYAN TORTAL

Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between the self and

material or economic possessions

2. Analyze the role of consumer culture to self and

identity; and

3. Evaluate one’s own personal experience, behavior,

and attitude toward material resources
Introduction
Let us say, you walk into the classroom before
the class starts and you remember to go to the
comfort room first. You put your bag on a chair,
go to the comfort room, come back, and sit at
your spot. More likely the bag will still be there
and no one takes the seat. Why? Because
through your materials possession, you are
sending a message that “I was already here, and I
will be back”
Abstraction
The manner that culture and groups have given
objects significance has drawn attention in
cultural anthropology. We can use the process of
assigning a sentimental value to one particular
object as an example, as stated in the
introduction. There have also been research on
how an item becomes a "prestige good" or
something that makes the owner appear more
prestigious.
The Material Self
Anthropology focuses on the cultural meanings
and collective processes of meaning-giving to
objects in relation to “self. Psychology tried to
focus more on the individual level.

-Objects become extensions of ourselves or our

identies.
The Material Self
William James describe the self as the totality of
everything that one calls his or hers, that includes
what he called Material Self.

Material Self focuses more on the body, our

clothes and belongings, our immediate family, as
well as the place we call home.
 The Material Self
Jean-Paul Sartre noted three ways through which we
can connect to objects.
First is through controlling an object like
controlling a bike or teaching your dog a trick
that you want him or her to do.
Second is we can make a connection with an
object through either creating or buying it
because you spend blood and sweat on a project
 Material Self
Third is knowing about something creates a
connection between you and that object of your
interest like studying for a certain degree which will
be part of your identity.

Materialistic people put value on their belongings for their use,

especially as a boost for social status, while less materialistic
people value their possession for the joy and comfort that they
get from these things. A person who uses objects to gain
acceptance and privilege are also most likely to ride current
trends.
Self and Objects
through Life Stages
Our perspective and connection with objects
develop through time like a child playing with a hall
then transitioning to ball games and probably
winning formal competitions.
The connection of the self to the material world
develops and changes over time Studies showed
that, even with cultural differences, there seems to
be a similar experience in the development of the
material self throughout the life of a person.
 Self and Objects
through Life Stages
According to Belk (1988) there could be four stages of
this development. These four stages are:

1. The infant distinguishes self from environment

2.The infant distinguishes self from others:
3. Possessions help adolescents and adults manage
their identities; and
4.Possessions help the old persons have a sense of
continuity and preparation for death.
Self and Objects
through Life Stages
In Jarrett's 2013 study, the evolving relationship
with material possessions is explored.

It begins in childhood with the 'finders keepers'

mentality, where ownership is tied to who acquires
an item first. These objects are considered
'transitional,' aiding a child's path to independence.
Self and Objects
through Life Stages
In adolescence, object attachment shifts to peer
identity and self-esteem, with possessions gaining
importance in shaping one's image. Teens seek
similarity with peers but also aim to differentiate
from parents.
Young adults value possessions for emotional
attachment, social meaning, and personal
association. The adult self extends to more objects
as needs and means change over time.
Self and Objects
through Life Stages
In old age, possessions become vessels of memory,
sources of comfort, achievements, and legacies.
Acquisition and attachment still reflect self-
perception.
This dynamic relationship with possessions evolves
across life stages, shaping our identityand
connections with the material world.
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
Our current economic system is based on monetary
exchanges and being a consumer necessitates having
cash. having money then become a part of our self as
we engage in economic activities.
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
1. Keep your perspective in check The love of money,
not the money it self, causes the problem.
2. Have money, do not just pretend “The goal is to be
rich, not to look rich”
3. Have your own goal, take your own time Do not just
think of something to buy, but also about
something to improve your financial status. Do not
chase after others, build your own.
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
4. Budget, budget, budget Start by making a list of your
common expense for a month and the estimate money
you spend on them.
5. Save in order to be safe Having savings in the bank
provides you a security in case of emergencies.
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
6. Keep your spending habits in check reiterate this as it is
easy to lose track of the budget and spend your savings.

6.1 Make a list when going to the grocery or mall.

6.2 Pay in Cash
6.3 Wait for a day or week before you buy something
6.4 Save first before you spend, not spend before saving
what is left
6.5 You can reward yourself without being too extravagant
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
7. Increase income flow Find a legal way to increase
your income
8. Good debt vs. bad debt We must get out of debt first
before we continue to make our money grow
9. Make your money grow Increase your financial
capabilities takes time and honest work.
 Ideas on Managing
Resources
10. Protect the future Following the plan of action, you will
reach a time when you have a steady flow of income, both
work and your investments.
11. Your greatest investment is still yourself You must
never stop learning and improving yourself, your skills
and your passions among others.
12. Enjoy your life no matter what Reflect on the five
things things that you will place above money, because
those will give you more fulfillment, joy, and purpose.