There is a varied exhibition of lavishness that is mainly posted on social media. To elucidate, there are photos of young men wearing expensive matches, a youth posing infront of his Ferrari car, an outpour of pictures of cars, yachts, shoes, mansions, and swimming pools, which become perplexing, even disturbing the flow of the social norms.
The pictures create resentment, which can lead both to the depression of the one envying and the one being envied. These people seem to lose their world with the classy signature bags, clothes, shoes, and all other possessions. They even treat these objects as gods that are worthy of being exalted. But those objects don’t emanate real happiness because they cannot give the same satisfaction that real human relationships can.
According to Graham Peebles, materialism is a social sickness that can affect both the rich and the poor, and which the researcher defines as a value system that is preoccupied with possessions and the social image they project. It is also considered both socially destructive and self-destructive. It chops the pleasure and peace of mind of those who accede to it. It is supplementary with anxiety, downheartedness and broken relationships (Peebles).
This paper tries to prove that there exists a correlation between materialism and unhappiness. As people grow more materialistic, their wellbeing weakens and vice versa.
Independent Variable:
Increasing materialism – How much do you spend for material possessions
Response categories are $ 100- $ 100 million
Dependent Variable:
Effect on your life - Are you happy with what these material things bring to you?
Response categories are yes or no.
Modernism –This theory argues that society becomes decentralized with the growth of technology and globalization. Modernism explains this hypothesis because people in this age are becoming too obsessed with material acquisitions and possessions, which are brought about by the challenge of globalization and commercial competition. However, this theory doesn’t support the real fulfillment in a person even after everything has been acquired.
Social Constructionism –Modern age people view life as dependent on how material possessions can satisfy them. This creates a world where people strive and struggle to acquire these possessions because of the belief that this is a status in life. However, they reach a point when they already fail to recognize the true essence of happiness and their life.
Authentic Happiness Theory - Martin Seligman explains that “happiness could be evaluated by positive emotion, engagement, and meaning” (qtd. in Seligman). The true essence of life is realized by learning to savor and appreciate basic pleasures like companionship and the natural environment. This theory supports the hypothesis because real happiness is measured not by material possessions but by how we relate to other people in this place called society.
Conclusion
Material things do not necessarily bring one happiness. They crave and desire for a new Channel bag or Adidas shoes but over time, they get bored or the object wears out. It can be seen that this configuration constantly happens in their life. The material things bring fleeting happiness, but over time, they became insignificant and one’s yearning spurned to a novel object.
Maximum happiness in life is incalculable. Virtuous friends, a loving husband or wife, well-raised children, a home assembled in love, a good bond with God, a pure conscience, a worthy goal, and a job one truly enjoys bring contentment that lasts and has meaning.
Works Cited
Seligman, Martin. “The Pursuit of Happiness.” pursuit-of-happiness.org. Pursuit o Happiness,
Inc., n.d. Web. 21 February 2016 <http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-
happiness/martin-seligman-positive-psychology/
Peebles, Graham. “Materialism and misery, and the need for change.” redressonline.com.
Redress Information & Analysis, 2016. Web. 21 February 2016
<http://www.redressonline.com/2014/06/materialism-and-misery-and-the-need-for-
change/>
