An unsustainable addiction to economic growth caused by the high social and environmental costs of materialism and overconsumption.
Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements. People said to be affected by affluenza typically find that the very economic success they have been so vigorously chasing ends up leaving them feeling unfulfilled, and wishing for yet more wealth.
Investopedia Says... Affluenza is arguably present in the United States, where the culture is one that prides itself on possessions and financial success. Mainstream media outlets, such as television broadcasts, tend to show how pervasive the idea has become.
It starts as young as grade school. Having a certain pair of sneakers or the 'in jacket'. It gets worse when children are exposed to peer pressure and they see their parents and other adults dealing with the " keeping up with the Jones' " syndrome.
Here are some tips on dealing with it.
Limit exposure to media. This includes TV time. Also, limit what is viewed online. This can be done via parental controls.
Learn how to enjoy non-material pleasures. This is good for everyone to learn to do. Taking a walk in a nature preserve is one of the best ways to do this.
Give kids an allowance, and help them budget. Give yourself an allowance and learn how to budget. If kids can learn from this, so can adults.
Learn how to give non-material rewards to your children and to yourself. Give your child special one on one bonding time as a reward. Give yourself a day off from chores as a reward.
A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses". Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements. People said to be affected by affluenza typically find that the very economic success they have been so vigorously chasing ends up leaving them feeling unfulfilled, and wishing for yet more wealth.
Investopedia Says... Affluenza is arguably present in the United States, where the culture is one that prides itself on possessions and financial success. Mainstream media outlets, such as television broadcasts, tend to show how pervasive the idea has become.
While affluenza cannot be quantified easily, those wishing to avoid the condition should look to be the master of, not a slave to, the things they have or wish to obtain.
0 comments:
Post a Comment