why is a large proportion of today's society so materialistic that it is causing social barriers in society?

Answer 1

I blame the internet, people don't need to talk face to face with people as much as they used to. For example, you are on the internet asking this question and thats creating a social barrier in itself, not to mention me answering this question on the internet. There is no real face-face communication.

Answer 2

Ever hear about the survival of the fittest? People are materialistic because the more you have, the wealthier you seem to be and the wealthier you are, the more powerful you become. (Or so people think.) We live in a world that is ruled by the individual ego. People who own the most earthly possessions (that includes money) are deemed as powerful and are envied. Unfortunately, this quest to own as much as possible has resulted in a highly stratified society. You should do some research on the concepts of Capitalism and Marxism. Also, the works of Thomas Hobbes. These will teach you a lot.

Answer 3

It's American (and has spread from America), it's been like that since at least after the Civil War when Americans began to enjoy the fruits of an industrial society that could provide many conveniences. It really took off after World War II with huge prosperity, television, and youth culture. Advanced in advertising have changed things dramatically as well.
Try Daniel Boorstins two books "Americans: The National Experience" and "Americans: The Democratic Experience" for on the the development of America's consumption habits.

Answer 4

I know what proportion you mean, it is the middle classes.
It is impossible to help the poor in this country as if a move is made to alleviate poverty and end divisions, the middle classes rear up on their well fed hind legs and bellow very loudly "What about us? We need tax relief as well, little Tarquin cannot go to prep school if we don't get tax relief!"
"I will not be able to afford my Porsche Cayenne if death duties arn't abolished!"
I exaggerate for effect, but the truth is that the middle classes are greedy, jealous and exeptionally materialistic. This greed is exploited by the Mail who feed predudice and bigotry and make it OK to want more and more to the detriment of everyone else with very little.

Answer 5

I think you are deceived into thinking that this is a modern phenomenon. It has always been with us, as you will see if you look back into the societies of the past. The barrriers were even harder then, because it depended on who your parents were and did, so your place in society was decided at birth., and that all depended on how much money you had!

Answer 6

Gathering resources for you or your family is human instinct, hence materialism.
Its always been that way, not just in today's society. The old aristocracy gathered land and power since the first tribal leaders, which made a nice social barrier. Even in communism some were more equal than others.
Also every generation bemoans 'todays society' its a ritual rant we have to go through.
That's humanity for you.

Answer 7

Capitalists control the politicians and the media to persuade the masses that materialism is within their best interest, those who oppose the materialistic vision are trampled and castigated vigerously.

Answer 8

There is an old Latin saying:

"rerum novarum cupidus"

which describes human beings as being "Greedy for new things".

Capitalism is BASED on exploiting greed. So how can a society worship capitalism in it's values and avoid being greedy? It's like stepping into water and not getting wet!

Answer 9

Their is a sociologist (now deceased), named Thorsten Veblen. He wrote this book called "Theory of the Leisure Class". It reveals the motives of people in a capitalist society.

Answer 10

I agree. Everything revolves around what you've got, and if you don't own your house or have a nice enough car, you're ignored. In my kid's infant school, academic snobbery is rife, and the kids are age 3-7!!
Imagine the parents. I have to look at them everyday, and they aren't nice.