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Intergenerational transmission in consumer behaviour: An integrative conceptual framework and future research directions

Author

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  • Samuel Guillemot

    (LEGO - Laboratoire d'Economie et de Gestion de l'Ouest - UBS - Université de Bretagne Sud - UBO - Université de Brest - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] - IBSHS - Institut Brestois des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société - UBO - Université de Brest - UBL - Université Bretagne Loire - IMT Atlantique - IMT Atlantique - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris])

Abstract

The concept of intergenerational transmission has given rise to a heterogenous body of research in consumer behaviour. It has been mobilised in domains as varied as consumer socialisation and heritage disposition. This article proposes an integrative conceptual framework for the intergenerational transmission of consumer behaviour. This framework has emerged from an interpretation of Erikson's (1959) theory of human personality development. Its first contribution is that it links the developmental concerns of the younger and older generations (learning, differentiating, taking care and preserving) around the notion of intergenerational capital. Its second contribution is that it puts forward the concepts of sociocultural, economic, psychological and genetic capital, which serve to enrich and clarify the nature of intergenerational capital. Finally, it opens up new research directions, including a much-needed focus on the central role of the 'pivot' generation (the 30-65 age group) and on taking into account the concept of attachment (Bowbly, 1978) in the study of the effect of inherited psychological resources on the adoption of consumer practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Guillemot, 2018. "Intergenerational transmission in consumer behaviour: An integrative conceptual framework and future research directions," Post-Print hal-02466675, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02466675
    DOI: 10.1177/2051570718774009
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.univ-brest.fr/hal-02466675
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