Leisure as symbolic consumption: A conceptualization and prospectus for future research

Abstract

From the discussions of Veblen (1899) to the writings of contemporary researchers, there has been a compelling argument that consumption in leisure has a strong symbolic character. By focusing on the nature of that symbolism, unequivocal parallels are apparent in leisure consumption and leisure theory. This article reviews the literature in leisure and consumer behavior to identify these parallel issues from conceptualizations of sign value and self‐expression. Directions for future research investigating the roles of sign value and self‐expression in leisure, and a theoretical model of the relationship between leisure choice, personal identity, and social identity are provided.

Keywords:

• Sign value
• identity
• self‐expression