Topic 7: The Material Aspect of the Self

Midterm

Utility

Things that serve a practical purpose.

Significance

Tells us the meaning assigned to the object, It is also concerned with how objects become powerful symbols or icons of habit and ritual which can be quite separate from their primary function

Utility

Things that serve a practical purpose.

Significance

Tells us the meaning assigned to the object, It is also concerned with how objects become powerful symbols or icons of habit and ritual which can be quite separate from their primary function

The Bodily Self

Our bodies, intelligence, and beliefs.

The Extended Self

Our family, possessions, places that matter to us, and the products of our labor.

Barbara Kruger

quoted “I shop, therefore I am”, where the public defines themselves to what they own.

Russel Belk

quoted “We regard our possessions as parts of ourselves”, We are what we have and what we possess.

Consumption

Spending for the acquisition of utility, is a major concept in economics and is also studied in many other social sciences.

Consumption

Using, buying, eating

Consume

To use up, spend wastefully, to destroy

Conscious Consumption

About practicing responsible buying habits.

Consumerism

Can be defined as an economic and social ideology and order that encourages the consumption of goods or services in an unending cycle.

Extrinsic Goals

Focuses on possessions, image, status, praise, etc.

Intrinsic Goals

Focuses on personal growth and community connection