Mary the Queen College (Pampanga), Inc.

JASA, San Matias, Guagua, Pampanga

ONLINE MODULE FORMAT

SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Subject Code: GE1 Module No./Title: MODULE 9:

Chapter 9 - The Material Self

Subject Description: The course deals with the nature of identity, as well as the factors Period of Coverage:
and forces that affect the development and maintenance of personal identity.
Introduction: This module tackles the fundamental concepts and principles of the self. It covers the different factors that contribute to one’s being, the philosophical and theoretical
perspectives about the self across generations, as well as the explanations of different fields of sciences about the self and identity.
Objectives:
1. Develop understanding about the material self.

2. Describe the basic components about the material self.

3. Discuss the influence of media in people's acquisition of material possessions.

4. Develop qualities of a wise buyer.

Content:

“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
- Albert Einstein
A person's tangible possessions like her or his car, house, clothes, even family and friends make up her or his material self. Regardless of how much or little a person
owns materially, she or he will always strive to acquire more because material possessions are usually a reflection of a person's success or failure.

Material Self
• Manifestation of one's identity through material possessions.
• The self is everything that an individual considers to be her or his, not only her or his body and material possessions, but also reputation and beliefs.

Components:
 Body

 Clothes

 Material Possessions (ex. car, house, gadgets, etc.)

 Relationships with psychological connection

 Pets

The Role of Material Possessions on the Sense of Self and Identity

• Material possessions remain valuable because these possessions are symbolic of one's social status.

• The more expensive they are, the more people are impressed.

• Russell Belk (1988) in his work, “Are We What We Own?” suggests that material possessions act as an objective manifestation of the self; reflection of hard
work and success.

• People tend to judge others through their material possessions.

• Components of the material-self become a significant reference of one's sense of self and identity.
Materialism
 Refers to giving more importance to material possessions than intangible values.

 Excessive concern with acquisition of material possessions.

 Can lead to Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD).

 Identification with material things begin early in life; and remains as people seek happiness.

 Exposure to images in television, internet and magazines brag the importance of material things.

 Lack or loss of these material things can cause anxiety, insecurity or depression in people who are materialistic.

 DO I REALLY NEED THIS? - Self reminder before making a purchase.

Consumer Culture

Social system in which consumption is dominated by the consumption of commercial products.

Social arrangement where relations between culture and social resources, between meaningful ways of life and symbolic and material resources are mediated
through markets.

Consumption of market-made commodities and desire-inducing marketing symbols are central.

 Consumption of material goods and services in excess of one's basic needs.

 Is closely tied to materialism.

 Can be viewed positively or negatively.

 The state of needs and wants tends to be endless, and thus could cause dissatisfaction, unhappiness or depression.

Summary:

 Components of the material-self become a significant reference of one's sense of self and identity.

 The components of the material self are material possessions, body, clothes, pets, etc.

 Consumerism can be viewed positively or negatively.

 The state of needs and wants tends to be endless, and thus could cause dissatisfaction, unhappiness or depression.

 Self-reminder before making a purchase, ask the question “DO I REALLY NEED THIS?”

Learning Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orkaqFcTQh4
Evaluation:

Activity:

Follow the procedure below.

1. Secure a copy of the movie entitled “Confessions of a Shopaholic” Directed by P. J. Hogan, the film stars Isla Fisher as the shopaholic journalist and Hugh Dancy as her boss.

2. Compose a 300-word reflection about the message conveyed by the film with the emphasis on the lesson you have learned.

References:

Frando, Milagros F. (2019). Understanding the Self. 707 Tiaga Corner Kasipagan Streets Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City; Books Atbp, Publishing Corp.

Go-Monilla, Ma. Jocelyn A. F. (2018). Understanding the Self. 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City; C & E Publishing, Inc.

Next Lesson: Chapter 10 – Digital Self

Checked by: (Coordinator/Dean/Institute/Dept.) Approved by: VPAA