Having, Doing, and Being

From: Possessions and the Extended Self

Author(s): Russell W. Belk
Source: Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 15, No. 2 (Sep., 1988), pp. 139-168 

Objects in our possession literally can extend self, as when a tool or weapon allows us to do things of which we would otherwise be incapable. Possessions can also symbolically extend self, as when a uniform or trophy allows us to convince ourselves (and per- haps others) that we can be a different person than we would be without them. Tanay (1976) suggests that handguns represent a symbolic penis for their owners. However, Kates and Varzos (1987) challenge this in- terpretation and instead emphasize the real rather than symbolic power given by guns. This sense of en- hancement of personal power is what made the six- gun the "equalizer" in American Western lore. Ta- nay's symbolic interpretation focuses on the sense of being presumably provided by such a weapon, whereas this alternative interpretation maintains that it is what one can do with a gun that contributes to sense of self. Thus, having possessions can contribute to our capabilities for doing and being.