2006-06-29 07:10:17 · 14 answers · asked by surayya3212@sbcglobal.net 1 in Social Science ➔ Economics
Think of it from a goal-setting perspective. People meet their needs a little better when they aim a little higher than what their needs require. Of course, the extras are just icing on the cake.
2006-06-29 13:56:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Demographics in economic cycles really show different behaviors with people's consumer behaviors.
The few left from surviving the "Great Depression" in the USA are hoarders ... they value everything that they have acquired and are thrifty on what they will purchase. It is common for this group to spend three times the amount to repair a product rather than purchase a new product with advanced technologies. This socialism reflects how the economic depression in the 1920's really changed their life.
The Baby-Bombers in the USA tend to have many of the "Great Depression" mentalities, but they are also more frivolous since they also saw prosperity in their upbringing. Concequently, when they pass away and leave their inheritance to the Hippies, the Hippies discover every newspaper printed from 1940's-current date, and really old antiques ... this is why we're seeing so many antique stores popping up 'cas the bombers have kept stuff they don't need, but bought years ago.
Generation Hippy was the first generation to have it all, and the Hippies tend to desire to appear to live with little or no means, but they really do enjoy lavish lifestyles.
Generation X-Y-Z's (USA) were brought up in a "Just-In-Time" delivery economy. This has taught this generation that goods are disposable, and that holding onto unwanted stuff is bogus.
Generation " i " has also been accustomed to the "Just-In-Time" delivery economy and is bombarded with materialism and competitive social standings on the material goods they've acquired thought the wireless phones, Internet, and media. Commericals, and social standings are now what distinguishes individuals from each other at this fierce competitive bid for elitness.
2006-06-29 12:37:47 · answer #2 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is part of our genetic psychological makeup to hoard things we want for a time when we may need them. Also, we get socialized in this culture to believe that ostentatious display of wealth is desirable. Unfortunately, things seem to be more important than people in this culture.
2006-06-29 07:52:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greediness!
2006-06-29 07:13:49 · answer #4 · answered by Curious-about-Everything Jeremy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you ask a question that you really dont need an answer to?
2006-06-29 07:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting things is fun. Advertisement works to entice us to want that which we do not need.
2006-06-29 08:09:31 · answer #6 · answered by truly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alot of people think that possesions will make them happy or they want to appear better than the people they associate with
2006-06-29 07:16:43 · answer #7 · answered by dead one 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We think the things will make us happy or satisfied and most of the time they don't.
2006-06-29 07:41:12 · answer #8 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to compensate for something else like low self-esteem, lack of love or respect from others or perhaps just pure greed for money and power
2006-06-29 07:26:27 · answer #9 · answered by Rochlina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is all about what the other person has most of the time. All about "Keeping up the Jones' ".
2006-06-29 07:16:28 · answer #10 · answered by ReeseNe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋