What is the Impact of Materialism on Economics ?
Economics is a science that studies how societies share their resources to meet their needs. In this study we can see how the resources are utilized by the consumers to fulfill their desires and requirements. As they try to satisfy their needs they often incur debt and then these indebted consumers are forced to take the help of a debt settlement programs. But are you aware that materialism has an immense effect on economics in both positive and negative ways?
• Growth and expenditure of the consumers
Economists at Hoover Institution, Stanford University state that the consumers spend nearly 70% of the US gross domestic product (GDP). GDP is the calculation for total economic output. The consumers are forced to spend their non-refundable income to obtain more goods due to an approach towards the economic materialism. As the demand in the market is high so the firms have to supply more products to meet the demand of the consumers that renders into economic growth. Therefore, this boosts the spending which consequently increases the GDP.
• Conspicuous Consumption
Most of the consumers spend for the purpose of flaunting their wealth as this is the ultimate motive for conspicuous consumption. Materialism can be coined as conspicuous consumption. People who are in awe with materialism focus their attention to “keeping up with the Joneses,” a popular phrase for conspicuous consumption. In this situation you gauge your wealth by comparing it with your neighbor’s prosperity. In order to prove his power of wealth he will invest more money on a larger house, more expensive cars and other luxury goods.
• Savings Rate is low
Consumer’s approach towards materialism instigates them to spend more to acquire more goods. Presently, people are not interested in saving as they spend their full income to purchase goods and services. The economists in the government as well as in the private sectors have cautioned about the severe impact due to the diminishing savings rate of the Nation. Capital investment is decreasing with low savings rate amongst the Americans. Lack of investment capital fails to give scope for economic expansion. In a way, the U.S economy is controlled by the foreign investors.
• Consumer Debt
The psychological impact of materialism on people drives them to buy things that exceed their budget. They usually incur insurmountable debts on credit cards with high interest or huge amount of mortgage for large houses. Mortgage is taking a serious shape in the U.S economy and around the globe. People are taking out loans to buy large and expensive houses but they default with the crash in the housing and credit market. Even post recession, many Americans have come across a dangerous situation as there is lack of financial security and no job security.
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hey,
I think that the post shows that we all see and feel - the magic circle of working, earning –> buying, spending… This translates into bigger cars, fancy gadgets and even the size of the closets in our homes has been increasing significantly since the 60’s, making more room for the new stuff we are buying ….
So at the end of the day - do consider what really makes you happy - buying the latest and greatest iPhone (and for that spend 2 hours more in the office finalizing your presentation) or simply being with your kids, go to park and enjoy some time with your spouse…
cheers.
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Well, that is actually a tough question. In the United States, we have a Capitalist economic system. Capitalism basically only works if people are motivated by wanting more. (This works well since people are greedy and selfish by nature!)
So materialism should actually be GOOD for a capitalist society!
I think the bigger problem is that the economy has been damaged to the point that people are afraid to be good capitalists. If we felt more comfortable spending (on our material wants), we would be making the economy better.
So I guess a better question is how does our economy affect our materialism!
Completely agree Vitalie. Good point
Both make very good points!
Los extremos son problemáticos, existen medios de manejar ambas cosas, sin encontrarse con inconvenientes económicos.
Jorge de Cambio-de-cheques.com
Interesting post. I’m not convinced materialism is good for the economy. If so, why are we all in so much debt? Isn’t it our out of control spending that got us in this financial slump?
Very thoughtful article! For more, please visit Daily economic news
Es fundamental aprender sobre losconsumidores innovadores,aquellos que les gusta ser los primeros en probar nuevos productos, porque la respuesta del mercado de esos innovadores es a menudo un indicador crítico del éxito o fracaso final de un nuevo producto. Los rasgos de personalidad que han sido útiles para diferenciar a los consumidores innovadores son: deseo de innovación, dogmatismo, carácter social, nivel óptimo de estimulación.
Jorge de Cambio-de-cheques.com
I totally agree with the all above comments…Keep sharing!
[...] — consumerism, some call it — has both positive and negative effects on the economy. World Financial Blog gives us the [...]
thanku 4 the information
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Some great topics about various investments well done and thanks for sharing.
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
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