Post-Materialism
Presenter: Arifa Heydarli
• Post-materialism is a crucial concept used to explain changes in social values
over time.
• People shift toward abstract values once their basic needs are met.
• Define the concept, provide comparative analyses, and explore case studies.
• Understand how social values evolve in different societies.
Definition and Core Concepts of Post-Materialism
•Definition:
• According to Ronald Inglehart, post-materialism arises when economic security
enables individuals to prioritize values like freedom, creativity, and environmental
protection.
• It is linked to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
•Key Points:
• Materialist Values: Economic security and physical safety.
• Post-Materialist Values: Individual freedom, self-expression, and quality of life.
•Critiques:
• Eurocentrism: Inglehart’s model may not apply universally.
• Taylor et al.: Introduced the concept of "pre-materialism," describing societies where
survival values dominate.
Materialism vs. Post-
Materialism
Materialism emphasizes fulfilling basic survival needs such as food, shelter,
and economic security. It is more prevalent in societies facing resource
scarcity or economic instability, where immediate concerns dominate
people's priorities. Materialist values are associated with ensuring physical
safety and economic stability, often reinforcing traditional norms and
resisting change. In such contexts, individuals focus on short-term goals
essential for survival.
Post-Materialism arises in economically stable and prosperous societies
where basic needs are already met. It prioritizes abstract goals like freedom,
self-expression, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Post-
materialist values encourage innovation, social justice, and democratic
participation, as individuals have the economic freedom to think beyond
survival.
Classifications and Categories
Survival-Prosperity Axis Generational Shifts Interplay of Economic and Cultural Factors
•Developed by Ronald Inglehart and Christian •Younger Generations: •Economic Security:
Welzel, this axis represents the transition from •Raised in more stable and prosperous conditions. •Acts as the foundation for the transition from
survival-oriented values to prosperity-oriented •More likely to adopt post-materialist values, such materialist to post-materialist values
values: as creative self-expression and sustainability. •Example: Industrialized countries where
•Survival Values: •Example: Millennials in Western Europe economic stability allows for democratic
•Predominantly materialist. advocating for climate action. participation and innovation.
•Reflect concerns for safety, employment, and •Older Generations: •Cultural Heritage:
survival in insecure environments. •Influenced by past economic hardships or •Shapes how quickly and to what extent
•Example: Post-conflict regions where rebuilding conflicts. societies embrace post-materialist values.
infrastructure and economy are key. •Tend to hold materialist values, focusing on •Example: Societies with strong religious or
Prosperity Values: economic security and tradition. traditional values may resist changes associated
Align with post-materialist values. •Example: Baby Boomers in post-war economies with post-materialism.
Include aspirations for social justice, equality, and emphasizing job security and housing.
cultural enrichment.
Example: Scandinavian countries emphasizing
welfare systems and environmental protection.
Case Study
•Western Europe:
• Countries like Germany, France, and Italy show a significant shift toward post-
materialist values due to economic stability.
•China:
• Younger generations prioritize materialist values due to rapid economic growth and
competition.
•South Africa:
• Survival values dominate because of inequality and resource scarcity.
•Japan:
• A blend of traditional and modern values reflects cultural diversity.
01 02 03
Ronald Inglehart:
• Introduced the concept of post-materialism as
part of his broader theory of value change. Müller:
• Argued that economic security enables Taylor • Post-materialism cannot be fully
individuals to shift from materialist to post- • Highlighted the limitations of Inglehart’s understood without considering
materialist values. model in applying to resource-scarce historical, cultural, and local
• Emphasized the role of generational change, societies. contexts.
with younger generations adopting post- • Argued that post-materialist values cannot • Challenged the assumption that all
materialist values in prosperous societies. emerge until survival needs are fully met. societies follow the same linear
• Linked post-materialism to Maslow’s Hierarchy • Developed the concept of "pre-materialism," path from materialism to post-
of Needs, where basic needs must be satisfied which describes societies where basic materialism.
before higher-order values like self-expression survival values dominate due to a lack of • Proposed a multi-dimensional
and environmental protection become access to resources like food, water, and approach to value change that
priorities. healthcare. incorporates factors such as
• Conducted extensive surveys (e.g., the World • Examined regions such as sub-Saharan Africa colonial histories, cultural
Values Survey) to track value changes across and parts of Asia, where pre-materialist traditions, and political systems.
different societies. values are prevalent due to persistent • Emphasized the need to
• Demonstrated how industrialized Western resource scarcity. contextualize post-materialist
societies have steadily transitioned toward • Expanded the theoretical framework of post- values within specific societal
post-materialist values over decades. materialism to include societies at different frameworks.
• Accused of Eurocentrism for focusing primarily stages of economic and social development. • Highlighted the diversity of value
on Western contexts, overlooking societies with • Advocated for a more nuanced systems across regions and
different socio-economic realities. understanding of value systems in diverse cultures.
global contexts. • Encouraged researchers to account
for unique societal factors rather
than relying on universal models.
•Conclusion:
• Post-materialism is a dynamic concept shaped by the interaction of
economic, cultural, and individual factors.
• Economic development and cultural context significantly influence value
shifts.
Thank You
