Experiencing luxury in a new way: an exploration of immaterial practices among young people

Vivre le luxe autrement: une exploration des pratiques immatérielles chez les jeunes

Victoire Ternant (), Sam Parizot () and Philippe Mérigot ()
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Victoire Ternant: IAE Paris-Est - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises - Paris-Est - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - Université Gustave Eiffel
Sam Parizot: IAE Paris-Est - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises - Paris-Est - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - Université Gustave Eiffel
Philippe Mérigot: IRG - Institut de Recherche en Gestion - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - Université Gustave Eiffel

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Abstract: This research examines luxury consumption practices among young French individuals with limited incomes, highlighting alternative ways to access luxury without material purchases. Based on 12 semi-structured interviews, the study reveals that luxury is now seen as a sensory, cultural, and emotional experience. Young people value intangible forms such as cultural events, store visits, and online experiences, driven by social needs or a genuine passion for luxury craftsmanship. Two main approaches emerge: immersive experiences that replace buying with emotional satisfaction, and psychological appropriation that builds a symbolic connection to luxury without physical ownership. These practices may be temporary, due to financial constraints, or lasting, motivated by ecological or cultural values. The study challenges the traditional boundary between material and symbolic consumption in luxury among younger generations.

Keywords: Young consumers; Psychological ownership; Alternative consumption; Luxury consumption; Low income; Intrinsic / Extrinsic motivations; Immaterial luxury; Immersive experiences; Propriété psychologique; Motivations extrinsèques; Motivations intrinsèques; Luxe immatériel; Jeunes consommateurs; Faibles revenus; Expériences immersives; Consommation du luxe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-11-13
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Published in Journées Normandes de Recherche sur la Consommation, Nov 2025, Caen, France

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-05501605

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