Indexicality and the verification function of irreplaceable possessions: A semiotic analysis
Downloadable Content
Abstract
- 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.
| Title | Indexicality and the verification function of irreplaceable possessions: A semiotic analysis |
|---|---|
| Creator | Shulman, David |
| Grayson, K. | |
| Publisher | Journal of Consumer Research |
| Academic Department | Anthropology & Sociology |
| Division | Social Sciences |
| Organization | Lafayette College |
| Date Issued | June 2000 |
| Date Available | 2013-06-03T20:31:58Z |
| Type | Article |
| Language | English |
| Bibliographic Citation | Grayson, K. and D. Shulman. (2000 Jun) "Indexicality and the verification function of irreplaceable possessions: A semiotic analysis." Journal of Consumer Research 27 (1): 17-30. |
| Standard Identifier | DOI 10.1086/314306 |
| Handle 10385/1244 | |
| Permalink | http://hdl.handle.net/10385/1244 |
| Rights Statement |
In Copyright
|
| Rights Holders | Journal of Consumer Research, Inc. |
Contains
| File | Shulman-JournalofConsumerResearch-vol27-2000.pdf | Uploaded 2019-10-20 | Public | Download |
Member of Collection
