Belk (1988) Possessions and the Extended Self – OpenEvo

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Possessions and the Extended Self

Belk (1988) Possessions and the Extended Self

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.

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Concepts Belonging, Capitalism, Control, Decentralized Self, Identity, Selfhood, Values, Well-being
Relevant learning goals Conceptual Thinking, Critical Thinking, Metacognitive Competency, Self-Regulation Competency, Systems Thinking
Relevant subject areas Psychology, Selfhood in Psychology
Relevant research methods Behavioral research/Psychology, Conceptual clarification, Content analysis
Relevant projects Annotated Reading List, Decentralized Self, Understanding Agency
Relevant school improvement goals Conceptual pluralism, Conceptual understanding

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