The Use of and Commitment to Goods

Abstract

In social theory, goods have usually not been included in the social world. However, in the sociology of consumption, they have been seen as mediating social relations and offering opportunities to make social distinctions. It is precisely the symbolic aspect of goods that makes this possible. In helping to make these distinctions, goods are only given a passive role in our lives. They only get to function as markers of social differences, tastes, and so on. However, the use value of goods cannot be reduced to their symbolic aspect. Generally speaking, the use value also has two other aspects which I will call the ‘functionality’ and ‘productivity’ of goods. I am going to argue that because goods also comprise these aspects, they are not just ‘dead’ or ‘asocial’ elements or phenomena in our everyday lives, but also play an active role in our relationship to other people. Moreover, I will pay attention to the process of appropriating goods. On the one hand, I will focus on how we internalize purchased commodities (i.e. how we make them our possessions in the social meaning of the word); and, on the other hand, I shall also draw attention to the ways in which we surround our goods with the aura of ‘me-ness’ (i.e. how we externalize them). I will then conclude by looking at the active role that goods play as our partners when we try to cope with everyday life. They are ‘something in order to’, as Heidegger puts it. We are therefore prone to treat them well,‘to take care of them’, and they may have an even more important role in our lives than is usually thought.

Motorcycling edgework: A practice theory perspective

“…[Eoin] Jimmy describes how it takes time to get to know a motorcycle. In these early stages, the rider is cautious, as he begins to embody the skills required to operate the motorcycle with success (Ilmonen, 2004). Once these skills have become embodied, temporary assemblage between rider and machine sees caution abandoned.…”

“…Riding a supersport model is three times more likely to result in a fatality than riding on a touring motorcycle (Haworth, Greig, & Nielson, 2009), suggesting that bike design encourages particular types of riding. As the interaction between consumer and object increases in intensity, so too can the emotional value that the rider places on the machine (Ilmonen, 2004), and the motorcycle becomes integral to the rider's identity.…”

Skilsmisse og bolig - hvor flytter hjemfølelsen hen?

“…Kaj Ilmonen beskriver tilegnelsesprocessen, hvor en ting vi har købt, et markedsprodukt, gøres til en del af os selv, en personlig ting, der betyder noget for os (Ilmonen 2004). Den første del af denne proces er kognitiv, idet vi skal laere at bruge produktet.…”

“…Netop efter en skilsmisse, hvor den fraskiltes forståelse af sig selv og sin identitet ofte vil vaere under forandring, kan forbruget komme til at spille en saerlig rolle. Fra forbrugssociologien kommer også teorierne om craft consumers (Campbell 2005) og tilegnelsesprocessen (Ilmonen 2004), hvor et markedsprodukt omsaettes til en personlig ting. Dette er nok saerligt tydeligt i de boligprojekter, flere af parrene havde haft, før de blev skilt.…”

Proposal, project, practice, pause: Developing a framework for evaluating smart domestic product engagement

“…It signifies public rather than individual acceptance (Rogers 2003). At the personal level adoption denotes a similar state, and for technology the process by which this might be achieved has been styled appropriation (Ilmonen 2004). Gram-Hanssen (2008 explicates this as a broadly linear sequence that begins with internalization, or accepting that a proposed consumption object will play some role in one's life.…”