Liquid Relationship to Possessions

TLDR

Prior research suggests consumers form enduring attachments to possessions that anchor identity, especially during life transitions such as cross‑border moves. This study examines how contemporary global nomads relate to possessions. The authors conducted in‑depth interviews with elite global nomads who frequently relocate and travel internationally. They identified a liquid relationship to possessions—detached, flexible, and characterized by temporary situational value, use‑value, and immateriality—providing a logic of nomadic consumption that expands materiality, acculturation, and globalization theories.

Abstract

This study investigates consumers' relationship to possessions in the condition of contemporary global nomadism. Prior research argues that consumers form enduring and strong attachments to possessions because of their centrality to identity projects. This role is heightened in life transitions including cross-border movements as possessions anchor consumer's identities either to their homeland or to the host country. This study reexamines this claim via in-depth interviews with elite global nomads, deterritorialized consumers who engage in serial relocation and frequent short-term international mobility. An alternative relationship to possessions characterized by detachment and flexibility emerges, which is termed “liquid.” Three characteristics of a liquid relationship to possessions are identified: temporary situational value, use-value, and immateriality. The study outlines a logic of nomadic consumption, that of instrumentality, where possessions and practices are strategic resources in managing mobility. A liquid perspective on possessions expands current understandings of materiality, acculturation, and globalization.