Possessions and the Extended Self

1988/09/01 by Russell W. Belk · 8,806 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Business #Computer science #Construct (python library) #Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification #Consumer Retail Behavior Studies #Consumer behaviour #Epistemology #Marketing #Premise #Psychology #Psychology of Social Influence #Simple (philosophy) #Social psychology #Variety (cybernetics)

paper · doi:10.1086/209154

published in Journal of Consumer Research 15(2), 139-168 (Oxford University Press)

openalex publication_date 1988/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

Abstract Our possessions are a major contributor to and reflection of our identities. A variety of evidence is presented supporting this simple and compelling premise. Related streams of research are identified and drawn upon in developing this concept and implications are derived for consumer behavior. Because the construct of extended self involves consumer behavior rather than buyer behavior, it appears to be a much richer construct than previous formulations positing a relationship between self-concept and consumer brand choice.

Citations

• Self-Concept in Consumer Behavior: A Critical Review
• The City and Self-Identity
• The Evolution of Reciprocal Altruism
• Burial Customs as an Archaeological Source [and Comments]

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Related

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