Material Goods of a U.S. Family

What mateial goods does an average family in the United States possess?

In Material World, Peter Menzel and sixteen photographers traveled to 30 countries to photograph 30 families, with all their possessions, at work and play. The families selected were closest to the statistical average of their respective countries. Material World lets you experience local customs, families' prized possessions, daily family activities, and their fears and hopes.

The results of the U.S. family, the Skeens of Pearland, Texas, are described here.
Only part of the photograph that appears on pp.136-137 is reproduced here.

The Skeen family of four (the son is just off the photo) and a dog lived in a 1,600 square foot house. The photo shows some of their possessions.

In addition, they owned
3 radios 5 telephones 1 VCR 1 truck
3 stereos 2 TVs 1 computer 1 car, and a dune buggy.

The most valued possession for both parents (held by the mother in the photo) was the Bible. sFor the future, the family wished for tools, a new carpet, and a camping trailer.

Source: Peter Menzel. Material World. San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books, 1994. pp. 136-143.

Be sure to consider the following differences which affect the amount and kind of material possessions that a family living in a house might have as compared to a student living in a dorm room:

Use this comparison when you write Project#1.

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Created by Ingolf Vogeler on 20 February 1997.