Emerging Consumer Culture in Advanced Society : Cross Cultural Studies of Luxury Consumption

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What does luxury mean to consumers? We explored this question by conducting detailed interviews with the American, Japanese, and Chinese consumers, which helped us to identify several dimensions of luxury. The literature suggests that there is not just one definition for concept of luxury but that it differs among demographic groups and historical periods. However, we found that luxury is an indispensable and at the same time, complex concept by which human beings obtain satisfaction in life. Luxury contributes to the position we have within our social network. Perceived luxury basically derives from rarity and aestheticism, and bring us consolation and identity reinforcement.