THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT: HOW EMPTY NEST IMPACTS ELDERLY DRIVERS

Abstract

This study delves into the realm of consumption studies, a dynamic research domain extending beyond tangible products to encompass intricate issues like social reproduction and identity construction. As explored by Barbosa and Campbell (2006), consumption is a cultural phenomenon that transcends mere transactions, embodying the creation of meanings and the exchange of personal preferences. This process becomes instrumental in both producing and perpetuating cultures and social interactions, shaping an individual's role within the larger societal framework. Such a perspective imbues consumption with existential significance, endowing material goods with purpose, as highlighted by Moulian (1998).

A compelling exemplar of this nuanced consumption paradigm is the automobile. Beyond its utilitarian functionality (Rodrigues and Casotti, 2015), the automobile embodies a potent symbolic dimension, intertwining with diverse consumption meanings. Notably, it serves as a conduit for societal advancement, correlating with financial growth, status attainment, and social integration (Hirschman, 2003; Belk, 2004). However, automobiles transcend their functional role, projecting meanings through facets such as color choices, models, brands, and accessories (Grubb and Hupp, 1968), invoking emotional responses (Luce, 1998; Desmet, Hekkert, and Jacobs, 2000).

This study unravels the intricate interplay between consumption and the automobile, spotlighting how consumer choices within this domain are embedded with cultural and societal implications. Through a multidimensional analysis, we aim to dissect the complex tapestry of meanings woven into automobile consumption, shedding light on the intricate threads connecting individual preferences, societal narratives, and cultural identities.