Towards a Taxonomy of Divestment. The Lifespan of Products as a Process

Abstract

This paper presents findings of research focused on the divestment of material possessions. It argues that divestment can be better understood as a process instead of a moment in the lifespan of a product. The term divestment refers to the process through which owners separate physically or emotionally from their possessions. Using qualitative data obtained through the Photo-Elicitation Interview method, the study explores the experiences of people on three types of items: clothing, furniture and mobile phone aiming to understand how the separation between owners and possessions occurs. The results were systematised to build a taxonomy of divestment. This taxonomy analyses the divestment process as a negotiation between value-waste, capturing the moments in which the value of a product increases or decreases. The taxonomy consists of five different categories: physical divestment, virtual divestment, keeping/no use, irregular use and in use. The categorisation of these moments through the taxonomy allows to identify moments for interventions in the lifespan of products to promote more sustainable ways of divestment. It also becomes a useful tool for understanding the complexity of product's lifespan and possible interventions for promoting more sustainable ways of consumption.

“I Still Love Them and Wear Them”—Conflict Occurrence and Management in Wearer-Clothing Relationships

“…In consumption research, the deterioration phase is known as divestment, a process people experience when separating from their belongings [13]. Similarly, divestment is not a straightforward process: each owner-product interaction is relevant and can contribute to accelerating, slowing down and even reversing the divestment [14]. Thus, despite the damage that conflict can inflict, wearers may still render the relationship salvageable.…”

“…For example, garments infrequently used due to avoidance or separation can decrease intimacy and commitment. In their study on product divestment, Encino-Muñoz et al identified irregular use as a point when items may be on the brim of physical divestment [14]. This is the moment when divestment can be prevented because use can contribute to the item's value [14].…”

“…In their study on product divestment, Encino-Muñoz et al identified irregular use as a point when items may be on the brim of physical divestment [14]. This is the moment when divestment can be prevented because use can contribute to the item's value [14]. Nonetheless, the fragility of the relationship at this point may precipitate an early end by lack of action to deal with conflict.…”