What is it about?
This article explores psychological research and theories about people's desires for money, status, possessions, and image. It shows how these materialistic values interact with, and often suppress, other important values. A large body of research is reviewed regarding the ways that materialistic values are associated with personal and financial well-being, and with social, ecological, and work behaviors. Ways to decrease materialism in people's lives, and in society, are described.
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Why is it important?
Materialism appears to be on the rise in Western capitalistic societies. Because it is associated with a variety of personal, social, and ecological ills, understanding materialism might help in the development of interventions and policies to diminish its dominance in today's world.
Perspectives
I've been researching materialism for more than 20 years now. I used this article as an opportunity to do a thorough review of the literature and to present my latest thinking.
Dr Tim Kasser
Knox College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Materialistic Values and Goals, Annual Review of Psychology, January 2016, Annual Reviews,
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-122414-033344.
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