How has materialism changed since you were a child?

Question

How has today's world changed in terms of materialism? Is it more geared towards buy this get that, and, time to get the upgrade? Has the need for money become different then let's say 50 years ago?

Answer 1

I was born in the early '70's, so my most formative years were in the 1980's - a time many would argue was the most materialistic since the 1920's.

I would say that materialism has decreased somewhat since then, but it has by no means gone away. Look at all the excess you still see in the world - how many Hummers do you come across in a typical day, for example? Who in the world needs a vehicle like that???

I had a friend (actually, more of an acquaintance) in high school that was the poster boy for materialism - his parents were loaded, they lived in a chic gated community, and he got a brand new Acura for his 16th birthday. I think the fact that he was one of the most shallow people I knew showed me that money really isn't all that important.

Also, around that time, I started really getting into the writings of Henry David Thoreau, who has a great perspective on material wealth. His quotes are way too many to list here, but one applicable one is, "that man is richest who's pleasures are cheapest."

Answer 2

1. I think the world has generally been materialistic, but I find it gratifying that "simplify your life" movements are becoming more and more popular in the western world.

2. yes, yes, and yes. However, it would be interesting to get data to see if sales of throwaway cameras have declined since digital cameras have become more affordable.

3. in this system of things people will continue to need money for most items. however, check out www.freecycle.org for free alternatives to a used items exchange that helps reduce landfill. there are more two income households today than there were 50 years ago. although the cost of living has increased, salaries have not increased at the same rate. for many people, the situation has gotten worse, not better.

Answer 3

I can't attest to 50 years ago. I can attest to 35. It seems like we live in pretty much the same market based culture we used to live in. I do think marketers/advertisers have gotten more shameless in the way they try to sell things. It seems like there used to be more ethics in turning a profit. Of course maybe I was just a young naive child.

Answer 4

After the depression and WWII people went on a spending spree buying everything that they had been doing without, and it became a lifestyle in the US.

Answer 5

Don´t kid yourself. Money has always been important. There just wasn´t much of it around 50 years back so we didn´t obsess about it like people do today.