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Symbolic consumption, signification and the 'lockout' of electric cars, 1885-1914

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  • Chris Ivory
  • Audley Genus

Abstract

The paper analyses the sources of meanings attached to consumption of the early automobile to inform analysis of the lockout of electric automobiles in the UK, mindful of related developments in France, and the USA. Data are gathered from archive sources, and include social and technical histories and popular newspapers and magazines from the period investigated (1885-1914). The paper asserts that the association of the early car with specific and particular cultural meanings, as defined by class and gender, led to it becoming an untenable choice for early consumers contributing to the 'lockout' of the electric car before it had a chance to establish itself as a viable socio-technical system. The conclusion highlights the limitations of an analytical focus privileging technical accounts of lockout and identifies the contribution of the concepts of symbolic consumption and signification.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Ivory & Audley Genus, 2010. "Symbolic consumption, signification and the 'lockout' of electric cars, 1885-1914," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(7), pages 1107-1122.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:52:y:2010:i:7:p:1107-1122
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2010.523463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul David, 1997. "Path Dependence and the Quest for Historical Economics: One More chorus of Ballad of QWERTY," Oxford Economic and Social History Working Papers _020, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    2. James Foreman Peck, 1996. "Technological Lock-in and the Power Source for the Motor Car," Oxford Economic and Social History Working Papers _007, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    3. Paul A. David, 1997. "Path Dependence and the Quest for Historical Economics: One More chorus of Ballad of QWERTY," Oxford University Economic and Social History Series _020, Economics Group, Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
    4. James Foreman-Peck,, 1996. "'Technological Lock-in' and the Power Source for the Motor Car," Oxford University Economic and Social History Series _007, Economics Group, Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
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