Fake Objects, True Love: The Symbolic Aspects of Consumption of Counterfeit Goods

The article explains the voluntary consumption of counterfeit goods as an example of the productive nature of consumption trends. The use of the object, as well as the symbolic manipulation operated by the consumer, in fact represents a new manufacturing process for the good itself, making the consumed object radically different from the original one. Cultural elements are essential in the voluntary consumption of counterfeit goods, since without them it is not possible to understand the scope and the diffusion of the non-deceptive counterfeiting phenomenon. Indeed, the theory linking counterfeit goods to a mere question of price is contradicted in practice by the widespread phenomenon of mixed consumption. The data on consumers of fashion goods, reveal that subjects radically manipulate objects on an ontological level. Strictly speaking, the consumed objects are not merely true or false, but equally likely. However, these processes can apply only to people with some knowledge of fashion, allowing us to conclude that those who have a high cultural capital occupy an advantaged position

Reproducing Cultural Goods as a Collective Effort of Identity Building in Italy

The article assesses the effects of consumption trends on the process of political identity building for individuals, focusing on a case study represented by a confederation of six cultural youth clubs. The ARCI confederation is a well known left-wing organisation, which has engaged in a profound reconceptualisation of its political stance over the last two decades. Our research assesses the cultural supply and demand of ARCI as it influences the political identity building of its members. The essential feature of ARCI clubs is that they are self-managing units, collectively deciding on their cultural production. Thanks to the quali-quantitative research strategy, the article is able to portray the differences between those who decide and those who merely consume. It thus provides valuable insights into the role played by the process of self-identification in the task of cultural re-production, and highlights the importance of the circular relationship between consumption trends and group identity building

Reproducing Cultural Goods as a Collective Effort of Identity Building in Italy

The article assesses the effects of consumption trends on the process of political identity building for individuals, focusing on a case study represented by a confederation of six cultural youth clubs. The ARCI confederation is a well known left-wing organisation, which has engaged in a profound reconceptualisation of its political stance over the last two decades. Our research assesses the cultural supply and demand of ARCI as it influences the political identity building of its members. The essential feature of ARCI clubs is that they are self-managing units, collectively deciding on their cultural production. Thanks to the quali-quantitative research strategy, the article is able to portray the differences between those who decide and those who merely consume. It thus provides valuable insights into the role played by the process of self-identification in the task of cultural re-production, and highlights the importance of the circular relationship between consumption trends and group identity building