In fact, such values have influenced romantic and family relationships and traditions. For instance, most children at Christmas time expect to receive material gifts as a sigh of love, also today it is impossible to imagine a proposal without a ring- in many cases material objects represent and mean more than human relationships. ... Previously, social status depended on the family's name and reputation, however, with the rise of consumerism and materialism, people became lured into the belief that higher status can be achieved simply by possessions, which does not often reflect the real...

• Word Count: 653
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate