Society's Production of Narcissistic Personalities

This is Sophie.

Before reading The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations I always thought that a narcissistic individual was who was enthralled with the self, has a hedonistic opinion of the self and is self-centered.  However when reading Christopher Lasch, his argument of the true narcissist become clearer. 

In his argument, Lasch describes the narcissistic as someone who has a weak sense of self.  In his text, Lasch questions how society produces the narcissistic type of personality.  Lasch describes this society as one in which hierarchical relationships are displayed symbolically, through wealth for example, and interpersonal relationships become the means through which individuals obtain these symbols of material wealth.  He goes on to claim that in this society all relationships are undermined because of this competition which thus leaves individuals alone and with a weak sense of the self.

I think it all depends on how one chooses to look at the interpersonal relationships that are created.  For example, some people do create bonds for selfish reasons, to further the self, but others are intended to help and guide the self.  I think Lasch's claim that even the family unit is undermined is a very strong statement because, in our culture, the family is supposed to be the ever-lasting unit of support.