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The consumption of music as self-representation in social interaction

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  • Larsen, Gretchen
  • Lawson, Rob
  • Todd, Sarah

Abstract

Although it is widely accepted that music can be used as a tool to communicate symbolic meaning, there has been little inquiry into how music is consumed to represent the self in social interaction. This paper seeks to provide new insights into the ways in which individuals symbolically consume recorded music. Through the interpretation of phenomenological data gathered from 16 sources, a conceptual framework is developed which depicts the relationship between the consumer’s self-concept, the symbolic properties of music and the consumption situation. The conceptual framework of the consumption of music as self-representation proposes that individuals can use music to represent themselves in social interaction when the meaning of that music is congruent with the image of themselves that they wish to present. This framework clearly illustrates the strength of situational influence and the role of fluid and multiple self-conceptions identities in the symbolic consumption of music.

Suggested Citation

  • Larsen, Gretchen & Lawson, Rob & Todd, Sarah, 2009. "The consumption of music as self-representation in social interaction," Australasian marketing journal, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 16-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:aumajo:v:17:y:2009:i:1:p:16-26
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ausmj.2009.01.006
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    Cited by:

    1. Cockrill, Antje & Liu, Yang, 2013. "Western popular music consumption by highly involved Chinese music fans," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 20(3), pages 263-271.
    2. Cockrill, Antje & Sullivan, Margaret & Norbury, Heather L., 2011. "Music consumption: Lifestyle choice or addiction," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 160-166.
    3. Ulusoy, Emre, 2016. "Subcultural escapades via music consumption: Identity transformations and extraordinary experiences in Dionysian music subcultures," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(1), pages 244-254.
    4. Zoë Godfrey & Daniel Korschun, 2024. "Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Identity-based consumer responses to music in marketing contexts," AMS Review, Springer;Academy of Marketing Science, vol. 14(1), pages 37-52, June.

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