Materialism in Malaysia

Development of materialistic attitudes and values in different cultural settings has become a relevant discussion in consumer behaviour. Accordingly, a study to analyse the development of materialism in Malaysia was initiated. Specifically, the paper first presents the general conceptual life course paradigm that serves as a blue print for discussing and reporting consumer research on materialism. Next, hypotheses derived from life course perspectives were tested with a survey in Malaysia. The findings suggest that the amount of television viewing and peer communication about consumption during adolescent years contribute to the development of materialistic values.