Adapting Richins’ (2004) Short-Form Material Values Scales for Latin American Application

Abstract

Materialism is a global phenomenon. Yet, its measures stem mainly from the US and are not necessarily applicable abroad. Having failed to replicate in Costa Rica, this study adapts Richins’ (2004) short-form Material Values Scales to Latin American conditions. Items were adjusted as to direction, object, and response options. Data (N = 1,207) reflected the country’s adult population in age, gender, education, and social class. The revised scales’ reliability, dimensionality, and external validity were all robust, supporting their local applicability. The revised scales should help academics and practitioners understand local consumers. This study is among few to address materialism in Latin America, a growingly-important yet under-researched market. This study is also the first to explicitly address materialism’s measurement in the region.

Keywords:

• Latin America
• Costa Rica
• consumer
• materialism
• scale
• adaptation
• validation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Aarón Arguedas, History Professor at Costa Rica’s National University, for his insights on the country’s consumption culture. This study was approved by the National University’s School of Business Ethics Committee/Review Board. Given the study’s anonymous and relatively noninvasive nature, coupled with subjects being consenting adults, written informed consent was waived. The authors also report that there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This article was partially supported by grants from the US Department of Education through its Center for International Business Education and Research at the University of Colorado - Denver.