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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