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The unspoken truth: a phenomenological study of changes in women’s sense of self and the intimate relationship with cosmetics consumption
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posted on 2023-06-09, 06:49 authored by Chihling Liu, Debbie KeelingDebbie Keeling, Margaret HoggPurpose: Whilst everyday consumption, such as of cosmetics, creates meanings for our being-in-the-world, these meanings appear to be easily over-looked and conceal untapped significance from the experiencing individuals. This study addresses this opportunity for exploring selves in daily transformation, studying cosmetics consumption across key developmental phases of everyday life. Design/methodology/approach: Phenomenological interviews were employed to investigate individuals' feelings, perceptions and experiences of cosmetics consumption. An iterative process of hermeneutical interpretation was adopted to identify the constellation of past-present-future relations that have underscored the individuals' intentions, motives and purposes. Findings: This chapter highlights the intricacies of how the self changes on a daily basis. We illustrate how consumers use cosmetic consumption, at a transformational level, to create, redefine and defend aspects of the self and, strategically, to manipulate and even attack others. Research limitations/implications: Beyond cosmetics consumption, we provide ‘food for thought’ on this very complicated subject-how does mundane consumption potentially address issues of sense of self, and vice versa? Originality/value: The study highlights an individual's challenges in defining the self and how cosmetics function as a coping mechanism, responding to changes occurring at varying stages of life.
History
Publication status
- Published
Publisher
EmeraldExternal DOI
Volume
14Page range
89-107Pages
369.0Book title
Research in consumer behaviourISBN
9781781900222Department affiliated with
- Business and Management Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Editors
Russell Belk, Søren Askegaard, Linda ScottLegacy Posted Date
2017-06-20Usage metrics
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