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Consumer Neoteny: An Evolutionary Perspective on Childlike Behavior in Consumer Society

Author

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  • Mathieu Alemany Oliver

    (CERGAM - Centre d'Études et de Recherche en Gestion d'Aix-Marseille - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - UTLN - Université de Toulon)

Abstract

This research explores childlike consumer behavior from an evolutionary perspective. More specifically, it uses the concept of neoteny to show that the retention of ancestors' juvenile characteristics is related to specific behaviors. The results of factor analyses conducted on a UK sample (n = 499) and a French sample (n = 292) 7 years later indicate four dimensions of childlike consumer behavior, namely, stimulus seeking, reality conflict, escapism, and control of aggression.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathieu Alemany Oliver, 2016. "Consumer Neoteny: An Evolutionary Perspective on Childlike Behavior in Consumer Society," Post-Print hal-01466840, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01466840
    DOI: 10.1177/1474704916661825
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://amu.hal.science/hal-01466840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christou, Prokopis A., 2020. "Neoteny: The paedomorphosis of destinations," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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    Keywords

    evolutionary psychology; neoteny; paedomorphosis; consumer behavior; childlike behavior;
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