Materialism Now vs. Then

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace." As John Lennon put it during the Bed-In for Peace in Montreal in 1969, the simpler ways of living that were promoted in the 60s denounced materialism. Hippies believed that simplicity was key. In the 60s' hippie culture, success was measured by one's level of happiness rather than their possessions. However, although hippie culture had a lasting impact on society, it didn't represent the ideas of youth as a whole. Materialism, money and superficial needs were deemed unimportant by hippies but were still somewhat important to other youth. In fact, youth's materialistic needs have not only persisted throughout the decades, but also increased as of the 70s.

Hippie promoting peace during a protest in the 60s

According to researchers Jean M. Twenge and Tim Kasser, materialism rose in the 70s, reaching a high with Generation X, and continues to grow with present-day youth. Generally speaking, money is more desirable to youth today than it was 50 years ago. Money and materialistic items are obviously closely linked.Twenge and Kasser showed this in a survey addressed to senior high school students. In the mid-seventies, 48% of the students considered it important to have a lot of money while 62% of those surveyed from 2005 to 2007 had the same opinion. This increase shows that material culture gained importance over time as opposed to the 60s when it was irrelevant for many. But why?

Advertisement in a clothing store for teenagers

The same study revealed that materialism is given more value today than in the 60s because of a culture that "breeds narcissism and self-entitlement". The effect of materialism is seen in our everyday lives. Today we see more and more teens with cell phones, laptops, tablets, brand name accessories, designer shoes, cars... the list goes on. Many teens want to fit in and believe that they can do so by buying the latest gadgets or wearing name brand clothing. These people fear being rejected if they don't keep up with the latest materialistic trends because of the importance that youth culture gives to such things.  

Materialism has always been an important value to many, but more so today. Youth today want and need more things than youth in the 60s in order to ensure their happiness.

We want and need more things than past generations just to survive and be happy. - See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/how-materialism-can-hinder-maturity-in-students/#sthash.HE8bIDdV.dpuf

We want and need more things than past generations just to survive and be happy. - See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/how-materialism-can-hinder-maturity-in-students/#sthash.HE8bIDdV.dpuf

We want and need more things than past generations just to survive and be happy. - See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/how-materialism-can-hinder-maturity-in-students/#sthash.HE8bIDdV.dpuf