In one study (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton 1981) researchers found that 82% of people cherished at least one object because it reminded them of a close relative. In addition, we guess the nature of possessions against the traits of people we meet (Belk 1988). Consequently, as we groom our own egos, we attempt to infer traits of other people by the nature of their possessions. Further, he suggests that the cultural category one inhabits is substantiated through material objects. McCracken (1986) describes how individuals create a world by use of objects which is consistent with the world they imagine. Possessing an object can serve to distinguish ones social position in society in relation to other people and their objects (Carrier 1991). Thus, objects serve a process of differentiation (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton 1981). Belk (1988) asserts that we are what we possess and that we support our 'fragile sense of self by possessing things. Furthermore, objects may give purpose and direction to our lives, or may contribute to its disorganization or randomness (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton 1981). Objects create order in consciousness by contributing to personal definitions of selfhood at the level of person, community, and nation (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton 1981).
Another aspect of possessions is that there are certain possessions that we cherish more than others, and further yet, our station in life, and even our gender may influence our attachments (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg Halton 1981 Wallendorf and Arnould 1988).
Richins (1994), identifies two roles that possessions serve possessions define self and create identity (Belk 1988), and communicate within culture (McCracken 1986). Our things are an integral part of our lives. An integral segment that complements any discussion on gift giving is that of the meaning of possessions. In many cultures, consumers exchange objects charged with meaning and psychic energy (Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton 1981). "Advice for the Young at Heart", Tears for Fears Findings are discussed in relation to the ideology of the perfect gift. Three themes are presented: remembrance of the loved one, sacralization of the gift, and the last gift and the interruption and continuity of life narratives. This study focuses upon the meanings of possessions of those caregivers who have lost someone to AIDS/HIV and received a 'last gift as a symbol of the relationship. Kates, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia Stevenson, University of Northern British Columbia
THE LAST GIFT: THE MEANINGS OF GIFT-GIVING IN THE CONTEXT OF DYING OF AIDS Scott, Provo, UT : Association for Consumer Research, Pages: 113-118.Īdvances in Consumer Research VolPages 113-118 Kates (1999) ,"The Last Gift: the Meanings of Gift-Giving in the Context of Dying of Aids", in NA - Advances in Consumer Research Volume 26, eds.
ABSTRACT - This study focuses upon the meanings of possessions of those caregivers who have lost someone to AIDS/HIV and received a 'last gift as a symbol of the relationship.
0 kommentar(er)
