Instead of being interested in material luxuries, today's women - dubbed MTLs or 'More to Lifers' - crave being debt-free, having more time and being part of a lasting marriage or partnership.
The survey by Psychologies magazine found women were refocusing on these "new luxuries" - family and friends and having a comfortable home - rather than desiring material goods such as a new vacuum or washing machine, favoured by women in the 1950s.
The "new luxuries" list also includes being debt free, having more time and being able to ensure your children have access to a good education.
Half of the 1,500 women interviewed said they wished their life was more meaningful and nine out of ten women said they wanted a long-lasting marriage or partnership.
Derek Draper, the Psychologies psychotherapist, said: "Many women have the outward trappings of success, they are attractive and holding down challenging high-level jobs but they feel something is missing.
"Women have been seen as riding the wave of rampant consumerism, demanding designer labels, the latest beauty treatments and killer heels, but this groundbreaking study shows women are rebalancing their desires and particularly refocusing on family and friends.
"We are seeing the beginning of a new era. It's as if women are waking up from a dream where they lost touch with what matters most.
Of the women interviewed 48 per cent were married, 84 per cent were employed, but only 30 per cent found their career rewarding. Four in 10 women said finances were a constant worry.
