materialism

n. Materialism has been defined in a variety of ways. However, such definitions all tend to describe materialism as the emphasis that one places on material possessions, as a central feature of one's existence, a means to happiness, and an indicator of personal success. Additionally, materialistic people have been described as greedy, possessive of their own possessions, and envious of other people's possessions. Although it is postulated that materialism does have some benefits, such as stimulating macroeconomic activity and helping people achieve happiness (in the short term), much research has examined the pitfalls of materialism. Such pitfalls include depletion of the Earth's resources and long-term individual dysfunction such as lower levels of life satisfaction and higher levels of depression. However, some research suggests that different people can be materialistic for different reasons, and it may be the reasons why individuals are materialistic that are associated with dysfunction. Research is thus starting to differentiate between functional materialism (such as providing for one's family) and dysfunctional materialism (such as the "need" to own multiple expensive sports cars).

- ANC