This is not just about the west, it's a perfect storm of face, status, and consumerism (which by the way is being encouraged by the government because they need to bring down the saving rate). Of course, western luxury goods are favoured because of the connotations that westerners have in China as sophisticated and rich. What we are talking about is conspicuous consumption. Starbucks is doing well not because it is affordable but because it is expensive and known to be so (in China). The Starbucks paper/plastic cup is a signal of disposable income. As are the cars, gold iphones, designer handbags, etc. Remember, all this stuff is quite new in China. Having it says: 'I'm doing well' to onlookers, even if the reality is different. Why do the apartments here have small bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms and large living rooms. The clue us in the Chinese name 'ke ting' or 'guest room' - it's the room you show to others.
@Haali
A very good point. Never considered that about the rooms before, now it makes more sense.
In what country are kitchens and bathrooms bigger than living rooms?
My kitchen back home is probably the same size as the dining room. I think that's usual, no? The point being made is that kitchens aren't the size of a cupboard like they are here.
Some bedrooms here don't even have windows. Their bedrooms are what we would call a spare room or a visitors room. Some people even seal up the balcony to make their living rooms a foot bigger, so is their urge to outweigh the importance of this room. No hall or parlour area either, its usually just walk right into a living room. I've often thought the layout of Chinese homes particularly odd, and now I've been given the reason behind it.
Partially also due to necessity. Do people really NEED a parlor or a dining room? Could most people afford houses with extra rooms, etc? The prices for houses are ridiculous compared to the quality and are generally as basic as they can since space is limited as are the beautiful roomy area houses.
This thread isn't about necessity, its about materialism. Why have a BMW on the driveway (never seen a driveway) if they live in a shoebox.
They show extravagance in all the wrong places, while they push on into designer handbags and phones, they seem to leave gaping holes in the smaller things.
Do you really think that China is any different than any other developing nation? Also think about countries in the Middle East, Russia, they aren't materialistic? It's just a byproduct of suddenly having a little disposable income. It will change as the country grows into its own.
What I DO think about is weren't these the exact same kind of people that were exiled, thrown down wells, and re-educated a half century ago for behaving in this showy manner? Kind of ironic I guess...
People in the Middle East I wouldn't judge as materialistic. They have more money than they know what to do with, which is a different notion to whats being discussed here.
I have yet to hear of a Saudi selling his kidney for an Iphone. The Arabs have issues that they feel very strongly on, that could never be bought off with flashy goods. The amount of Chinese who a modicum of any idealistic charging is minimal, they'll turn a blind eye to anything so long as there's a car/handbag/watch somewhere along the line. These guys have embraced capitalism in its rawest form.
When I see the word materialistic Korea instantly pops into my head.
Luxury buying a bad idea generally because it puts labor to work creating things that laborers can't afford, rather than things that they need.
