Luxury Consumption and Consumption of Luxury Goods

Abstract

It is acknowledged that luxury is not inherent solely in product characteristics, but comes into existence through consumption. This chapter discusses how the essence of luxury is captured from a consumption perspective. Turunen points out the importance of social symbolic meanings and highlights aspects of the previous literature relating to the consumption of luxury goods. In addition, the experiential side of consumption is acknowledged. In particular, Turunen discusses different facets of symbolic consumption, underlining the importance of the ‘symbolic to self’ facet of definitions of luxury. In combining the symbolic and experiential dimensions, this chapter links luxury consumption with discussions of the perceived value of luxury.