Ways of Incorporating Possessions into the Extended Self

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

Sartre (1943) suggests three primary ways through which we learn to regard an object as a part of self. One way is through appropriating or controlling an object for our own personal use; this view is similar to McClelland's (1951) hypotheses about power and control. Sartre also holds that we can appropriate in- tangible or nonownable objects by overcoming, con- quering, or mastering them. For instance, a mountain climber in reaching a peak has asserted control of the mountain and the panorama it affords. Similarly, it is only through learning to ride a first bicycle, manipu- lating a new computer system, driving a first car, or successfully negotiating rapids in a new kayak that these objects really become parts of the extended self…

Sartre also sees giving possessions to others as a means of extending self-a special form of control. A gift continues to be associated with the giver so that the giver's identity is extended to include the recipi- ent.