Overview

Magic and Religion in Consumption Practices uncovers the mystical, spiritual, and ritualistic dimensions of consumer behavior that often go unnoticed in mainstream marketing analysis. In this compelling book, Russell W. Belk explores how religious beliefs, magical thinking, and sacred symbolism influence what we buy, how we use products, and the meaning we assign to consumption. Drawing from global traditions, spiritual ceremonies, and contemporary consumer rituals, Belk reveals how consumption often mirrors religious practices-through branding as belief systems, sacred spaces like flagship stores, and rituals like unboxing or gift-giving. He investigates the enchantment of marketing, myth-making in advertising, and the search for transcendence through luxury or lifestyle goods. This book challenges the idea of consumers as purely rational actors, offering a richer, symbolic view of market behavior. It is essential reading for scholars of marketing, religion, cultural studies, and anthropology. Part of the Legend in Consumer Behavior series, this book captures Belk's exploration into the sacred dimensions of everyday consumption.

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9781636515281

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Russell W. Belk is Distinguished Research Professor and Kraft Foods Canada Chair in Marketing at the Schulich School of Business, York University. A prolific scholar with over 600 publications, Belk is known for his interpretive approach to understanding consumer culture. His concepts of the extended self, materialism, and sharing have become foundational in consumer behavior literature. Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

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