Social construction functions of consumption space under stratification: The case of Guangzhou |
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Authors: | Geng Lin Lianjun Wang Xiaoying Zhang |
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Institution: | (1) Geography and Human Environment, Tel Aviv University, Avivim St. 12, Kefar Saba, 44381, Israel |
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Abstract: | As Chinese cities rapidly transformed themselves into consumerist societies, the relationship between consumers and consumption
space under stratification has become a new research area in the field of urban social geography. Based on a consumer behavior
analysis, this study explores the relationship between consumption space and the social strata of consumers in typical shopping
malls in Guangzhou where the first shopping mall in China was built. The result shows that shopping malls have performed significant
constructive functions of organizing consumers from different social classes into different consumption space. For middle-
and upper-class consumers, the function of shopping malls centers on utilitarian consumption, identity recognition, and identity
construction; whereas for lower-class consumers, its function revolves around pleasure and enjoyment. The symbolism of consumption
space is the underlying reason for shopping malls to have their social constructive function. The findings of this research
suggest that: 1) a shopping mall is a productive consumption space and a geographical space with subjectivity; 2) the micro-location
of a shopping mall has social construction function; and 3) symbolic consumption is the core of social construction. |
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Keywords: | consumption space stratification shopping mall social construction social identity symbolic consumption |
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