Materialism in Hong Kong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

ELTU1001AV Foundation English for University Studies

Problem-Solution Essay

Materialism among Adolescents in Hong Kong:

Underlying causes, negative impacts, and possible solutions

Name of student: Leung Ho Chuen Eric

Major: IBBA

Year: 1

Student ID: 1155049533

Date of Submission: 23/4/2014

Name of lecturer: Mr. Eddy Li

Do you have a Forever 21 bag, a pair of Guess jeans, or an Apple iPhone? Adolescents in Hong Kong are getting more materialistic (Chiu & Kwok, 2010). Materialism makes adolescents develop strong affection for luxurious goods and fall into a habit of consuming them frequently (City University of Hong Kong, 2010). Expensive, well-known brand products can be found on adolescents from head to toe (Gil, Good, Johnson & Kwon, 2011). As materialism has negative impacts on the spending pattern and academic performance of adolescents, it is necessary to prevent it from spreading by imposing restrictions on advertisements, giving parental guidance, and providing school education.

Materialism is a perception that emphasizes the importance of material wealth, and believes material wealth equals to happiness (as cited in Ahuvia & Wong, 1995). In a survey conducted by Hong Kong Baptist University (2004), 52% of the 300 adolescent respondents thought they would be happier if they had more money to buy luxuries for themselves. In another survey conducted by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (2008), over 50% of the 1060 adolescents agreed material wealth is the most important thing (as cited in Chan, 2013). Besides, some teenage girls engaged in compensated dating to earn money to buy famous brand products (as cited in The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 2009). Evidently, the trend of teenage materialism is escalating. So, what are the underlying causes?

One of the major factors leading to materialism among teenagers is...