Understanding Self-Concept and Identity in Consumer Behavior

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to self-concept, identity, and their interaction with consumer behavior.

Self-Concept

Beliefs a person holds about his/her own attributes and how he/she evaluates these qualities.

Stereotype Threat

Anxiety that consumers feel when they fear they might act in a way that conforms to a group stereotype.

Self-Esteem

Positivity of a person’s self-concept, also known as self-worth.

Impression Management

The process of strategically engaging in products and behaviors to impress others or manage perceptions.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theory stating relationships with others play a significant role in forming the self.

Looking Glass Self

The process of imagining the perceptions others have of us and shaping ourselves accordingly.

Public Self-Consciousness

Sensitivity to the image one communicates to others.

Consumption

The act of acquiring products or services that reflect and shape self-concept.

Compensatory Consumption

The phenomenon where consumers cope with threats by consuming products linked to their insecurities.

Extended Self

External objects considered part of ourselves, involving personal possessions, family items, community ties, and group affiliations.

Gender Roles

Societal expectations regarding how individuals should behave based on their gender.

Ideal Self

How we would like to be, as opposed to the real self, which represents how we actually are.

Body Cathexis

A person's feelings of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their body and its attributes.

Ideal of Beauty

A model of appearance representing certain physical features, styles, and attributes that society deems attractive.

Ethnic and Racial Identity

The impact of ethnic and racial backgrounds on attitudes, values, activities, and consumer preferences.

Age Cohort

A group of people who share similar life experiences and societal expectations based on their age.