Collecting, Luxury, and the Production of Consumer Desire

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Collecting, Luxury, and the Production of Consumer Desire delves into the psychological, social, and cultural drivers behind people's fascination with rare and luxurious goods. In this book, Russell W. Belk explores the motivations and meanings behind collecting objects-from vintage cars to designer handbags-and how these practices shape and reflect our sense of status, identity, and aspiration.

Belk unpacks the emotional power of scarcity, the allure of exclusivity, and the symbolic value attached to high-end goods. He also examines how marketers and cultural forces manufacture desire, elevate certain objects to luxury status, and create powerful narratives that fuel consumer cravings. Collecting is framed not simply as accumulation, but as a deeply personal and often spiritual pursuit.

This book is essential for scholars and practitioners interested in luxury branding, consumer desire, and the sociology of objects. It is part of the Legend in Consumer Behavior series, presenting Belk's critical insights on the psychology of ownership and the cultural construction of value.