The interplay between liminality and consumption: A systematic literature review with a future research agenda

Abstract

During the last three decades, the concept of liminality has been used by consumer researchers to examine consumption‐related phenomena associated with ambiguous transitions and meaningful transformative events. Inspired by the richness of this concept, researchers have continuously applied and extended the theoretical lens it affords to new and emerging contexts. However, the literature on liminality remains fragmented, and it is sometimes confusing because of the complex relationship between liminality and consumption. To dispel this confusion, this study builds on the findings of a systematic literature review to clarify the interplay between liminality and consumption and to develop a comprehensive framework for examining their relationship with each other. This framework offers a theoretical lens for the conceptual investigation of this interplay and, ultimately, for the development of a theory of liminal consumption. Four different conceptual associations between liminality and consumption are identified: liminal products, liminal consumption, consumption‐caused liminality, and liminality‐caused consumption, and their unique manifestations are theorized. Using the notion of lifeworld existentials, this study also examines various types of liminal experiences and shows that they have four overarching modes: time, space, position, and the body. Important avenues for future research are also discussed.

Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR)

“…Darveau and Cheikh‐Ammar's (2021) review on liminality and consumption using 140 articles from 23 CABS AJG‐ranked journals retrieved through the PRISMA protocol unpacks the conceptual associations between liminality and consumption (i.e., liminal products, liminal consumption, consumption‐caused liminality, and their unique manifestations) as well as the modes of liminal experiences (i.e., body, position, space, and time). Their review also sheds light on the theories (e.g., actor network theory, family discourse theory, and paradox theory), contexts (e.g., communities and identity‐ and object‐related transitions) and methods (e.g., conceptual, qualitative, and quantitative) employed in prior research that can be used to inform future research in the area.…”

A systematic review on halal cosmetic consumption: application of theory method context – attributes decision outcome framework

“…To maintain accuracy and quality, Darveau and Cheikh-Ammar (2021) recommend four steps (identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion) of a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) procedure to analyze extant literature. PRISMA procedures provide a straightforward step-by-step process that can be easily understood (Mohamed et al , 2020).…”

Holding on or letting go: Inheritance as a liminal experience

“…The individual finds themselves in the pre-liminal state as they experience anticipation of either imminent or more distant inheritance. The individual will know they need to travel beyond known ground to a new reality (Darveau and Cheikh-Ammar, 2021) and may take part in rituals such as burial and/or cremation services (sometimes religious), will readings and preparations for the actual physical process of receiving an inherited object either soon, or in an anticipated future. The transition or liminal period is characterised by instability and ambiguity (Noble and Walker, 1997).…”