Researchers have found that low self-esteem and materialism are not just a correlation, but also a causal relationship where low self esteem increases materialism, and materialism can also create low self-esteem. The also found that as self esteem increases, materialism decreases.
“The only reason a great many American families don’t own an elephant is that they have never been offered an elephant for a dollar down and easy weekly payments.” 🙂
The Consumer Paradox: Scientists Find that Low Self-Esteem and Materialism Goes Hand in Hand
4 replies on “The Consumer Paradox”
human beings like to be in equilibrium with the environment or the universe that we live in. a simple example is that of two jars of water with different levels. when connected at the bottom the jar with the lesser water accepts the water from the other to equal the level of water in both jars.
human beings suffer from low self esteem when they believe that they are lesser individuals than those around them. Then the next attempt is to try and fill the void and feel more complete by procuring what is most easily available, i.e. things that can be bought without any effort. however, these materialistic belongings only provide a temporary consolation and soon the person looses the charm of having them. then he goes out looking for more things to replace the older ones. and the cycle keeps repeating itself.
If on the other hand the person suffering from a low self esteem were to introspect and then start a process of self improvement towards his ideal standards, he will automatically start respecting himself more. it all boils down to whether we are bold enough to make the decisions that cause us pain, but at the same time are the right decisions. this ability to do what we believe to be right is what gains us multi-fold advancement in the way we look at ourselves, simply put an increase in our self esteem.
Vishal, it’s great to read your comment. Thanks for your thoughts, I fully concur! 🙂
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It is not neccessary that self esteem and materialism may always go hand in hand ……self esteem is once perception …if u go by maslows need hierarchy theory then need for self esteem comes after material need are satisfied….moreover it is not neccesary that as self esteem is satisfied the need for materials decreases……it may increase further as u see in case of actors over spending to satisfy their self actualisation needs…..
to see from over point of view , it is also not true that materials increases a persons self esteem ….as in case of gandhiji he was operating at a high esteem plus actualisation levels wherelse his some material needs were unsatisfied
hence self esteem and materials do not go hand in hand where a person has a clear defination of self esteem…..