Why do people try to keep up with the jones?

Question

And why is everyone so preoccupied with what they dont have verses what they do have?

Answer 1

Excellent question.
Can't answer it though, except speculation ... people don't like to see other people having more than they do I guess. The whole envy/jealousy/greed thing.

I am not that way, never have been, but then I am and always have been a free spirit, doing things my own way.

I dropped out of the whole rat race years ago and couldn't be happier.

Answer 2

I work for homeless individuals and not everyine is trying to keep up with the jones, i think that it is a miss conception to think that everyone is preoccupied with what they don't have. Since i have worked with this population I have begun to see many DO appreciate the little that they have even if it is just a pair of shoes on there feet. I know that since I have been there it has mad me realize that there is more to life then just material things.

Answer 3

O c'mon. Everyone here is pretending that they don't care about keeping up with the Jones's. ha ha. Jealousy is an innate feeling. We want to keep up with them because we look to the better off as our "role models" or "point" where we should be. We do that to feel better about ourselves. Also, we tend to think that ppl will like us more if we have what the Jones's have. We all just want to be liked in the world. Having what everyone else has is like following this trend to make sure we're in the "in" crowd.

Answer 4

LOL funny question. There's a SEVERE battle currently being fought in my neighborhood. My hubby and I look at each other and LAUGH at the childish ridiculousness.
The answer is 'because the Jones' children will not hang out with the neighbors children unless they have the same amount, if not more, junk in their house/yard.'
In fact if you ever notice...there's usually more 'keepin' up with the Jones' being done outdoors than indoors. Important for neighbors to see that you are in just as much debt as they are! Might as well shout 'Hey lookie here everyone my wanker is as big if not bigger than my neighbor Bills.'

I'm ANTI 'keepin' up with the Jones'. In fact I go out of my way to have as little stuff outdoors as possible, and also have lots of curtains/blinds. Quite frankly it's no body's business what I have, let alone for them to TRY and keep up with it.

Answer 5

Don't even get started trying! Its a waste of time and you lose sight of who and what YOU really are. Celebrate yourself by living your own life and grow from that.
Why don't you let 'The Jones' worry about keeping up with YOU?
Best of luck.

Answer 6

Not everyone wants to keep up with the Jones. Those who do
are insecure and need external things to make them feel important.

Answer 7

Grouping theory explains much of our behavior.

We tend to group ourselves as a means of forming an identity. (I am this, but not that.)

This process of forming an identity strengthens the bonds of that particular group. It's a vicious cycle, but it does have benefits - we aren't extinct, and we chat with strangers on the internet - wow!

Back to your question - imagine a group of individuals that feel closely bonded to the group, but who have no idea what DEFINES that group? It's a trick question - this is actually impossible. My point is that once you have made your selections, you self-group yourself, and the next thing you know you are shopping at Ikea, Starbucks, and (gasp) Wal-Mart ... just like the other members of your group.

Answer 8

Cuz who wants to keep up with the Hatfields & McCoys! I can hear the Banjo music playing now!!

Answer 9

I think people find it as a way of measuring their self-worth and don't like to see someone else measure up w/ more...(not that it is right or a healthy lifestyle)

Answer 10

It makes people feel inferior to think they do not possess what their neighbours have - and so the rat-race to satisfy one's ego goes on !!