Meaning‐oriented consumption: A systematic review and research agenda

Abstract

The quest for finding meaning in life is central to human existence. Evidence supporting consumption as a source of meaning in life is scant and lies in discrete studies across multiple disciplines. We call consumption that engenders a sense of meaning in life ‘meaning‐oriented consumption’. In this paper we conduct a systematic literature review of 102 papers, using the Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR) (Paul et al. (2021). International Journal of Consumer Studies, 45(4)). We draw on the theory of meaning in life to arrive at a theoretically grounded conceptualization of meaning‐oriented consumption. We discuss the antecedents and consequences of meaning‐oriented consumption, categories and processes that make consumption meaningful. We gather insights into the relationship between hedonic and meaning‐oriented consumption. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps in theory, context, constructs and methodology. This review identifies several consumption contexts and situations that offer potential for marketers to design meaningful offerings.

Generation Z's perceptions of a good life beyond consumerism: Insights from the United States and Finland

“…The overall concern for nature and planetary limits is transforming values and lifestyles from consumerism to the current quest for a good life (Alexander, 2011;Gambrel & Cafaro, 2010;Garcia-Ruiz & Rodriguez-Lluesma, 2014;Gorge et al, 2015;Grénman, 2019;Jain et al, 2023;Kasser, 2006;Oral & Thurner, 2019). Much hope is pinned on younger generations, especially Gen Zs, as more sustainable and conscious consumers; this global generation is expected to make real efforts to achieve the SDGs and create a sustainable future (Chaturvedi et al, 2020;Yamane & Kaneko, 2021).…”

“…Numerous scholars have addressed an urgency for the sustainability transition; a consumerist lifestyle and increasing consumption of natural resources cause this urgency (Dasgupta, 2021;Díaz et al, 2019;IPBES, 2019IPBES, , 2020UNEP, 2022). The overall concern for nature and planetary limits is transforming values and lifestyles from consumerism to the current quest for a good life (Alexander, 2011;Gambrel & Cafaro, 2010;Garcia-Ruiz & Rodriguez-Lluesma, 2014;Gorge et al, 2015;Jain et al, 2023;Kasser, 2006;Oral & Thurner, 2019). However, how can one achieve a good life without a consumerist lifestyle?…”

“…constitutes a good life is also a topical issue in transformative consumer research (TCR) and positive psychology. Several scholars have argued whether and how materialism and well-being interrelate (Alexander, 2011;Bulut et al, 2017;Burroughs & Rindfleisch, 2002;Hoffmann & Lee, 2016;Jain et al, 2023;Kilbourne et al, 1997;Oral & Thurner, 2019). These questions are further fueled by the ecological crisis that has raised new concerns about individual and collective well-being Mick & Schwartz, 2012) and sustainability, that is, moral responsibility toward nature and future generations (Dasgupta, 2021;Díaz et al, 2019;Fien et al, 2008;, which urges us to envision new conceptions of a good life.…”

“…Studies have shown that humans can flourish and achieve a good life while consciously consuming less and reducing materialistic desires irrelevant to basic human needs (Gambrel & Cafaro, 2010;Garcia-Ruiz & Rodriguez-Lluesma, 2014;Gorge et al, 2015;Jain et al, 2023;Kasser, 2006;Oral & Thurner, 2019). Individuals have begun to moderate their consumption levels and pursue a more balanced and sustainable life by seeking non-materialistic sources of happiness and deeper meanings (Alexander, 2011;Grénman, 2019;Jain et al, 2023;Oral & Thurner, 2019). Whether achieving a good life with significantly less materialistic consumption is possible has also been questioned.…”

Consumer dining duration and spending: The role of emotional labour practice in the restaurant industry

“…It is highly influenced by variables such as the gender of both staff and the clients, rate of interaction. Further, consumer behaviour such as spending is closely linked to customer perceptions of the quality of service provided (Jain, Banerjee, Sharma, 2023).…”