What are the components of materialism?

 The concept of consumer materialism, often referred to simply as "materialism" in the provided sources, is defined as the importance individuals place on material items. It is more than just an interest in acquisition; it involves placing material possessions at the center of one's existence and pursuing their acquisition to achieve certain perceived benefits.

Based on academic research, especially within psychology and consumer research, materialism is often treated as a value or a goal orientation.

1. Materialism as a Value Orientation

When materialism is viewed as a value, it is considered a centrally held, enduring belief that guides actions and judgments. This orientation is suggested to have three distinct subcomponents, assessed by instruments such as the Material Values Scale:

1. Acquisition Centrality: This is the extent to which individuals grant a lot of attention and importance to the acquisition of material possessions.
2. Acquisitions as the Pursuit of Happiness: This component reflects the belief that the attainment of material items is the key means by which individuals can improve their own happiness and life satisfaction. Highly materialistic individuals believe material goods will boost their happiness, serving as the way to achieve life satisfaction.
3. Possessions as Defining Success (Status): This component represents the belief that individuals should use the ownership of possessions (both number and quality) to judge not only their own success, but also other people's success. Highly materialistic individuals wish to own luxury or high-status goods to portray a particular image. Showcasing possessions is crucial, indicating a strong social aspect whereby individuals seek to influence how others perceive them through public display of their possessions.

2. Materialism as a Goal Orientation

When considered as a goal orientation, materialism represents the relative importance an individual places on extrinsic goals compared with intrinsic goals.

• Extrinsic Goals: These goals, such as money, fame, and image, are dependent on the reactions of others and are usually pursued as a means to an end. Higher levels of materialism are indicated by higher scores on extrinsic goals relative to intrinsic goals.
• Intrinsic Goals: These goals, such as relatedness, helpfulness, health, and growth, are pursued as an end in themselves and help satisfy psychological needs.

3. Core Underlying Themes

Materialism involves individuals' long-term endorsement of values, goals, and associated beliefs centered on the importance of acquiring money and possessions that convey status.

In summary, the key components and associated characteristics of materialism are:

• Centrality of Possessions: Material possessions are placed at the center of one's existence.
• Source of Happiness/Wellbeing: The belief that possessions lead to happiness and life satisfaction.
• Status and Image: The desire to showcase possession to portray status, image, and success to influence how others perceive them.
• Self-Enhancement: Materialistic values are strongly associated with self-enhancement values (focused on self-interest and success), putting them in conflict with self-transcendent values like universalism.