Social conflict theory is a Marxist-based social theory, which argues that individuals and groups (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources (such as the wealthy vs. the poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to exploit groups with less power.
The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable.
Functionalism interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes to the stability of the society as a whole. Society is more than the sum of its parts; rather, each part of society functions in order to achieve tability of that society as a whole. The different parts are primarily the institutions within that society, each of which is organized towards fulfilling different needs and has particular consequences dependigng on the form and shape of that society. The parts all depend on each other.
For example, the government provides education for the children of the family, which in turn pays taxes on which the state depends to function. The family is dependent upon the school to help children secure good jobs so that they can raise and support their own families.
Symbolic Interactionism, formulated by Herbert Blumer (1969), is the process of interaction towards formation of meaning for individuals. The inspiration for this theory came from Dewey (1981), who believed that human beings are best understood in a practical and interactive relationship to their environment.
In the process, the children become law-abiding and taxpaying citizens, who in turn support the state. If all goes well, the parts of society produce order, stability, and productivity. If all does not go well, concermed parts of that society must adapt to recapture a new order, stability, and productivity.
This situation creates resentment, which can lead to the depression of the one envying and the one being envied. Their world is negatively affected by 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 researchers define 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, chopping the pleasure and peace of mind of those who accede to it. Overall, threy trigger anxiety, downheartedness, and broken relationships (Peebles).
This paper attempts 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 possessions provide 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 obsessed with material acquisitions and possessions, which are brought about by globalization and commercial competition. However, this theory does not support the real fulfillment in a person even after everything has been acquired.
Social Constructionism – In the 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 materil possessions improve status. However, in doing so, they reach a point when they fail to recognize the true essence of happiness.
Authentic Happiness Theory - Martin Seligman explains that “happiness could be evaluated by positive emotion, engagement, and meaning” (Seligman). The true essence of life is realized by learning to savor and appreciate basic pleasures such as companionship and the simple pleasures generated by 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 society.
Conclusion
Material things do not necessarily bring one true happiness. One might crave and desire a new Channel bag or Adidas shoes but over time, he/she gets bored or the object wears out. It can be seen that this configuration constantly happens in one’s life. The material possessions bring fleeting happiness, but over time, they become insignificant and one’s yearning is spurned by a novel object.
Maximum happiness in life is incalculable. A virtuous friend, a loving husband or wife, a well-raised child, a homes built in love, a spiritual assuarance, a pure conscience, a worthy goal, and a job one truly enjoys bring indelible contentment and 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/>
