Commodities and Sexual Identities

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer questions whether items owned by individuals are used to secretly express feelings without speaking. In the course of the essay, the writer draws upon points from various sources in an attempt to discuss the ways in which commodities are used to construct and express sexual identities. The writer concludes that there is no doubt that there is a correlation between the forming and expressing of sexual identity and the purchasing of commodities to heighten that expression or image. The writer maintains that commodities can be used to create an identity, variate an identity or perhaps to just further emphasize an identity.

From the Paper:

"In all these cases, there is one association formed between the product and an element. Lynx attracts females. The cause is the application of the fragrance, the effect is that females are attracted. Therefore, it can be assumed that if a male wanted to express his sexual identity he could purchase Lynx with the idea that it will transform him into a guy that would be seen as a sex symbol to other females."
"As we live in a capitalist society, we tend to feel a lack of control over the occurrences in our life as we grow up. This is coupled with the fact that while growing up, the notion that money is power is brought upon us - with power representing happiness. Therefore, it is not surprising that people try to find a possible way to control the environment around them. It was found that consumption offers a form of control over oneself and how one is perceived socially."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beilharz, P. Hogan, T. (2002), Chapter 3 'The Gendered Self' & Chapter 6 'The Consuming Self' in Social Self, Global Culture, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne
• Fiske, J., Hodge, B., Turner, G. (1987) Chapter 5 'Shopping' in Myths of Oz : Reading Australian popular culture, Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
• Fiske, J. (c.1989) Chapter 2 'Shopping for Pleasure' in Reading the Popular, Boston : Unwin Hyman.
• Franzen, G., Bouwman, M. (2001), The Mental World of Brands, United Kingdom : World Advertising Research Center.
• Barthel, D. (1988), Putting on Appearances - Gender and Advertising, Philadelphia : Temple University Press.

More papers on Commodities and Sexual Identities:

• Term Paper # 140385 : "Sexual Orientation and Sexual Identity"
• Term Paper # 137873 : "Self Concept and Sexual Identity in Women"
• Book Review # 116245 : "The Manacle as Symbol in Shakespeare's "Cymbeline"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: