The consumption of women’s shoes as an expression of the Self

Authors

  • REGINA PORTO SPACINI CAVALLINI
  • CRISTINA HELENA PINTO DE MELLO PUC-SP
  • RAPHAEL ALMEIDA VIDEIRA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18568/ijbmkt.9.1.289

Keywords:

Female shoes, Women’s shoes, Social Identity Theory, Self Theory, Extended Self, Consumer behavior

Abstract

Abstract: Based on the use of women’s shoes as a self-expression tool, in this study I aim to understand how women choose their shoes and what identities they seek to represent in society when choosing and wearing a particular pair. The impact of the pandemic (Covid-19) on the behavior of these women was considered part of the analysis. This study was developed using Russell Belk’s Theory of Self (1988) and Henri Tajfel’s Theory of Social Identity (1978). Twenty-two women, aged between 25 and 69 years, belonging to social class A, were interviewed, using a qualitative approach, in-depth interview method (Long Interview) and a semi-structured script as support. Through the interviews and the capture of photos of the selected shoes by the interviewees, it was possible to establish a connection between the different selves represented by each one, as well as the distinction between their real self and the social self. Shoes proved to have a relevant role in the construction of the interviewees’ identity, even though they are still subjected to social demands and expectations. Comfort, beauty, and quality were highlighted as very important factors when choosing shoes. Customer knowledge, especially in a post-pandemic moment, will allow better management measures and decision-making on the products offered.

References

Addis, M., & Holbrook, M. B. (2001). On the conceptual link between mass customisation and experiential consumption: an explosion of subjectivity. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 1(1), 50–66. https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.53

Baudrillard, J. (2008). A sociedade de consumo. Edições 70.

Baumhammer, P., Silva, M. G., & Costa, M. F. da. (2018). Aspectos Simbólicos do Smartphone e o Eu Estendido: Um Estudo do Comportamento do Consumidor Português. Revista Interdisciplinar de Marketing, 7(2), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.4025/rimar.v7i2.34904

Belk, R. W. (1988). Possessions and the Extended Self. Journal of Consumer Research, 15(2), 139–168. https://doi.org/10.1086/209154

Belk, R. W. (2003). Shoes and Self. ACR North American Advances, 30, 27–37.

Bergstein, R. (2013). Do Tornozelo para baixo: história dos sapatos e das mulheres. Casa da Palavra.

Blackwell, R. D., Miniard, P. W., & Engel, J. F. (2006). Consumer Behavior. Cengage.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Investigação Qualitativa e Projeto de Pesquisa: Escolhendo entre Cinco Abordagens. In Passei Direto. Penso. https://www.passeidireto.com/livro/investigacao-qualitativa-e-projeto-de-pesquisa-escolhendo-entre-cinco-abordagens-9788565848893

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2021). Projeto de pesquisa - 2.ed. Penso Editora.

Deaton, A. (2013). The Great Escape : health, wealth, and the Origins of Inequality. Princeton Univ. Press.

Fraga, H., & Serralvo, F. (2006). FATORES DETERMINANTES DO COMPORTAMENTO DO CONSUMIDOR FEMININO: O CASO AMERICAN GIRL. In eGesta - Revista Eletrônica de Gestão de Negócios (pp. 39–58). http://www.unisantos.br/mestrado/gestao/egesta/artigos/54.pdf

Goffman, E. (2004). A representação do eu na vida cotidiana. Vozes.

Holbrook, M. B., & Hirschman, E. C. (1982). The Experiential Aspects of Consumption: Consumer Fantasies, Feelings, and Fun. Journal of Consumer Research, 9(2), 132–140. https://doi.org/10.1086/208906

Houthakker, H. S. (1961). The Present State of Consumption Theory. Econometrica, 29(4), 704. https://doi.org/10.2307/1911816

Iacobucci, D., & Ostrom, A. (1996). Commercial and interpersonal relationships; Using the structure of interpersonal relationships to understand individual-to-individual, individual-to-firm, and firm-to-firm relationships in commerce. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 13(1), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-8116(95)00034-8

Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2006). Administração de marketing a bíblia do marketing. São Paulo Pearson Prentice Hall.

Loudon, D. L. (1993). Consumer behavior / David L. Loudon ; Albert J. Della Bitta. Mcgraw-Hill.

Maccracken, G. D. (2000). The long interview. Sage.

Mcneil, P., & Riello, G. (2011). Shoes : a history from sandals to sneakers. Berg.

Richins, M. L. (1994). Valuing Things: The Public and Private Meanings of Possessions. Journal of Consumer Research, 21(3), 504. https://doi.org/10.1086/209414

Schiffman, L. G., & Kanuk, L. L. (2000). Comportamento do consumidor. Ltc.

Seferin, M., & Van der Linden, J. (2012). Protection or pleasure: female footwear. Work, 41, 290–294. https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-2012-0171-290

Serra, A. V. -. (1986). O “Inventário Clínico de Auto-Conceito.” Análise Psicológica.

Sirgy, M. J. (1982). Self-Concept in Consumer Behavior: a Critical Review. Journal of Consumer Research, 9(3), 287–300. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2488624

Solomon, M. R. (2016). O Comportamento do Consumidor - 11ed. Bookman Editora.

Stallybrass, P. (2013). O casaco de Marx. Autentica.

Tajfel, H. (1978). Social Categorization, Social Identity and Social Comparison. In Differentiation Between Social Groups: Studies in the Social Psychology of Intergroup Relation. Academic Press.

Underhill, P. (1999). Vamos às compras. Gulf Professional Publishing.

Published

2024-09-30

How to Cite

CAVALLINI, R. P. S., PINTO DE MELLO, C. H., & VIDEIRA, R. A. (2024). The consumption of women’s shoes as an expression of the Self. International Journal of Business Marketing, 9(1), 75–88. https://doi.org/10.18568/ijbmkt.9.1.289

Issue

Section

Articles