Consuming identity : the case of Scotland

Coombes, Emma and Hibbert, Sally and Hogg, Gillian and Varey, Richard (2001) Consuming identity : the case of Scotland. Advances in Consumer Research, 28 (1). pp. 328-333. ISSN 0098-9258 (http://acrwebsite.org/volumes/8507/volumes/v28/NA-...)

[thumbnail of strathprints004447]
Preview
 Text. Filename: strathprints004447.pdf
Accepted Author Manuscript
Download (74kB)| Preview

Abstract

The paper examines national identity in Scotland. The research explores how consumers perceive the symbols used to represent Scotland, how these symbols relate to their perceptions of contemporary Scottish identity and their responses to the use of these symbols to promote Scotland and Scottishness. A series of in-depth interviews revealed that national identity in Scotland was seen to be multidimensional. Activities associated with art and culture, as opposed to business and industry, were identified as primary characteristics of contemporary Scotland. The traditional symbols of Scottish identity (e.g. tartan and whiskey) remain dominant signifiers, however, and the problems of this are discussed.

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)