On the Symbolic Meanings of Souvenirs for Children

Abstract

This paper explores the symbolic meanings that children of elementary school age attach to souvenirs from different types of vacation destinations. Data from interviews and pictorial projectives illustrate the meaning of souvenirs for children, including how children skillfully use souvenirs in their everyday lives and how they interpret souvenirs as symbols of people, places, and experiences. More specifically, the interview data reveal the meanings attached to souvenirs which are possessed, including how souvenirs are clearly distinguished from other objects which are possessed and how they are used for their contemplation and action value, for their communicative properties, and to provide continuity across time and place. In addition, the data from pictorial projectives reveal the latent motives of souvenir acquisition as well as how different types of places lead to different types of souvenir choices. Thus, the paper demonstrates the many layers of meaning associated with souvenirs in both acquisition and consumption processes and provides evidence that the meanings between children, places, and objects are inextricably linked.

Citation

Menzel Baker, S., Schultz Kleine, S. and Bowen, H.E. (2006), "On the Symbolic Meanings of Souvenirs for Children", Belk, R.W. (Ed.) Research in Consumer Behavior (Research in Consumer Behavior, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 209-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0885-2111(06)10009-5