UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

According to William James, what is included in the "material self"?

• Only the body and clothing
• The body, clothes, belongings, immediate family, and home
• The body and immediate family
• Only belongings and home

What role does consumer culture play in the relationship between self and material possessions?

• It diminishes the importance of possessions in forming identity
• It promotes emotional attachment to objects
• It encourages people to reject material possessions
• It isolates people from their communities

How does Russell Belk describe the connection between objects and the self?

• Objects have no influence on identity
• Objects extend our identity across time and space
• Objects only relate to a person's status
• Objects are only linked to utility

Which of the following is an example of connecting with an object through control, according to Belk (1988)?

• Buying a new bike
• Learning to ride a bike
• Reading a book about engineering
• Studying history

What is the primary focus of the current economic system as discussed in the text?

• Production of goods
• Monetary exchanges
• Consumer awareness
• Manufacturing efficiency

Which of the following stages involves children distinguishing themselves from their environment through "transitional objects"?

• Adolescence
• Infancy
• Middle age
• Elderly years

How do possessions help elderly individuals, according to the text?

• By creating new memories
• By serving as vessels of memory, comfort, and legacy
• By enhancing social status
• By promoting independence from others

What is one of the key findings from Richins’ (1994) study on materialism?

• Highly materialistic individuals value possessions for their joy and comfort
• Less materialistic individuals value possessions for social status
• Highly materialistic individuals value possessions for social status
• Less materialistic individuals ignore possessions

According to the Material Values Scale (MVS), what is a characteristic of highly materialistic people?

• They value possessions for their sentimental meaning
• They use possessions to gain social status
• They avoid material objects
• They focus on long-term fulfillment rather than short-term satisfaction

What is the first step in managing your resources effectively?

• Increase income flow
• Build long-term financial goals
• Budget your finances realistically
• Save for emergencies