Contents ix
ty
Material possessions as reflections of identity:
Gender, social-material status and social groups
Identity-related meanings of possessions
Personal possessions and gender identity
Social-material status and possessions
Material possessions as.stereotypes
Consensus in stereotypes
Differences between groups and homogeneity within
them
Outgroup derogation
The ‘kernel of truth’ in stereotvpes
Conclusion
Notes
Fine feathers make fine birds:
The impact of material context on perceived identity
Material objects and inferences about identity
Perceived characteristics of ‘wealthy’ and ‘poor’ people
First impressions and material context
In search of theoretical frameworks
The interindividual approach: attitude similarity
The categorical approach: intergroup relations
A social construction approach: dominant
representations
Material impressions and different socio-economic
backgrounds
Conclusion
Notes
The current Western conception of identity:
The materialism—idealism paradox
The dominant Western conception of identity
Identity in cross-cultural perspective
The rise of autonomous individuality
Wealth-unrelated aspects of identity
The materialism—idealism paradox
Dominant representations and ideology
Conclusion
Social and scientific implications
The pervasiveness of material social reality
Bibliography
Author index
Subject index
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