The social psychology of material possessions: to have is to be

Abstract

To have is to be - is that the question? biological accounts of possessions and property - the acquisitive instinct in modern disguise? the individual-centred approach - material possessions as parts of the extended self a social constructionist perspective - possessions as material symbols of identity possessions as symbolic expressions of identity material possessions as reflections of identity - gender, social-material position and social groups fine weather makes fine birds - the impact of material context on perceived identity the current Western conception of identity - the materialism-idealism paradox.