Parradox of Affluence

University of Phoenix

PSY 220

Society has become so consumed in material things that they have loss the value of themselves and the choices that they have. Robert Putnam agrees that aspects of modern damaging effects on social and individual life. Social status contributes to the well- being of an individual by promoting shared trust and mutual help. Nowadays it is one big competition and no one wants to help. There were times when neighbors were watching your home to make sure that they saw you. People are so wrapped up with making sure they someone notice them to they forget to speak to others. According to Phillip Cushman our consumer culture has displaced the deeper meaning and purposes that were traditionally found within life, social relationships, and religion. Cushman believes that over time, advertisements has convinced people that happiness is to be found at the marketplace. Schwartz argues that people in modern consumer cultures have unprecedented freedom in choosing how to dress, what and where to eat, what car to drive, who to marry, and what career to pursue. The more choice we have will make an individual lose sight of the benefits. Most times people are dissatisfied with the results. Overall, you will not be able to find happiness with fancy cars, designer clothes and huge houses you will have to dig deep within yourself. (Positive Psychology, Baumgardner, 2009)

Reference

Baumgardner, S. R., & Crothers, M. K. (2009). Positive Psychology . : Pearson Education, Inc.