W5 Extended Self

W5 Extended Self

1. Belk (1998)

   • “Possessions and the Extended Self” solidified and accelerated an interest by consumer researchers in the ways consumption helps define people’s sense of who they are.

2. Portrays how consumers make part of themselves things such as people, places, experiences, ideas, beliefs and material possession objects. It encompasses objects/experiences perceived to be “mine”.

3. Extended self: external objects that we consider a part of us

4. levels of extended self

   • individual
     • personal possessions (cars, clothing)
   • family
     • residence and furnishings
   • community
     • neighborhood or town where you live
   • groups
     • social or other groups