Relating to the pursuit of wealth or the acquisition of money; focused on financial gain. Often used in a critical or pejorative sense, implying an excessive or unethical emphasis on profit and accumulation of capital, sometimes at the expense of human values or social well-being. It is concerned with the study of wealth and its creation, including the processes of production, distribution, and consumption, often within a capitalist or market-driven framework.
Chrematistic meaning with examples
- The company's chrematistic practices, prioritizing profit over environmental sustainability, led to widespread pollution and damage to the local ecosystem. This disregard for ecological responsibility sparked public outrage and calls for stricter regulations to curb such unethical behavior and protect the environment. This illustrates the potential for excessive financial focus to have devastating impacts.
- The economist argued that the uncontrolled chrematistic forces of globalization have widened the gap between the rich and the poor, leading to increased social inequality and instability. This relentless drive for profit and market dominance, he claimed, left vulnerable populations behind. This focus has, in turn, led to a destabilized and imbalanced global socioeconomic environment.
- The art collector viewed the acquisition of the painting not as an aesthetic appreciation, but as a chrematistic investment intended solely for its future monetary value. They cared less for its artistic merit than for its potential for capital appreciation and profit. This illustrates how an art piece can become a commodity for the purposes of wealth.
- Some critics consider the overemphasis on standardized testing in education a chrematistic pursuit. They argue that it reduces the learning experience into a measurable commodity, prioritizing quantifiable metrics over the holistic development of students. This approach can leave teachers, students and parents unfulfilled.