Authors
Kent Grayson, David Shulman
Publication date
2000/6/1
Journal
Journal of consumer research
Volume
27
Issue
1
Pages
17-30
Publisher
The University of Chicago Press
Description
Many researchers have noted that special possessions can represent personally relevant events, people, places, and values. Semiotics provides a useful theoretical base for understanding the representation processes that support these meanings. We apply the semiotic concept of indexicality to extend our understanding of how meanings are embedded in irreplaceable special possessions. The results of two empirical studies support the proposition that these possessions establish a semiotic linkage, which enables consumers to verify self-selected moments from their personal history. Our research also reemphasizes the value of semiotic frameworks as applied to research on possession ownership and sheds additional light on the value of authenticity to consumers.
Total citations
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