How Consumption Provides a Relational Understanding of Place

Abstract

This study positions itself within the place-as-living-entity view and within the growing body of literature on the relational views of place. This study considers how consumption acts and activities provide a relational view of place. It also acknowledges that while all kinds of consumption may involve a relationship with place at some level or the other, a relational view is distinguishable in terms of ties or kinship with place that individuals perceive as of value and valuable in their lives. More essentially, a relational view involves a contribution or participation in the construction or shaping of the nature and meaning of place and its boundaries. As Coffin and Chatzidakis observe, place-making is not confined to the simple creation and manipulation of meanings; rather, it is and must be understood in terms of claiming an area in territorial acts (as those of consumption).