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Never before in the history of humanity has so much content been created. According to Eric Schmidt, Google CEO, every two days now we create as much information as we did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003. Most of this information will either live entirely or partially on the digital realm, according to, in the next 8 years, more than one-third of all digital information created annually will either live in or pass through the cloud. A series of problems emerge when a persons needs to deal with all of this data like, photos, songs, videos, blog posts, emails, their virtual possessions. They are not limited by space and are difficult to curate; It is difficult to create the sense of value on virtual things; They lack uniqueness; and last, but not least; the main tools used to manage this data are still based on metaphors made popular by Microsoft MS-DOS in the 80’s: Files and Directories. In my degree project, I have explored possible alternatives for maintaining and bequeathing virtual possessions. The project was conducted in 24 weeks (51-22) using a Goal-Directed Design (GDD) process with strong focus on Design Ethnography, Prototyping and an extra bit of Philosophy.

<p>In V.S. Naipaul’s novel <em>A House for Mr. Biswas </em>furniture and possessions are consistently present and their path can be clearly traced, but they are rarely brought to the fore as the central image in the unfolding events of the novel. To borrow a metaphor from movies: the furniture is not the leading actor; the house is. The furniture has a supporting role in the story. This essay explores how the furniture and other possessions in <em>A House for Mr. Biswas </em>underline and illustrate various aspects and themes of the novel from the perspective of what the things in themselves project, what their role is and what they say about the character of Mr. Biswas and his life’s trajectory in the overall colonial context.</p>

In V.S. Naipaul’s novel A House for Mr. Biswas furniture and possessions are consistently present and their path can be clearly traced, but they are rarely brought to the fore as the central image in the unfolding events of the novel. To borrow a metaphor from movies: the furniture is not the leading actor; the house is. The furniture has a supporting role in the story. This essay explores how the furniture and other possessions in A House for Mr. Biswas underline and illustrate various aspects and themes of the novel from the perspective of what the things in themselves project, what their role is and what they say about the character of Mr. Biswas and his life’s trajectory in the overall colonial context.

The purpose of this thesis is to empirically investigate the factors which drive the demand for and supply of mortgage finance in the United Kingdom. In particular, borrowers of long term mortgage funds are especially susceptible to the effects of inflation in `tilting' the stream of real repayments towards the initial years of the loan. As such, under certain circumstances inflation can be an important cause of mortgage default and thus plays a crucial role in the determination of mortgage demand. The mechanism through which mortgage default leads to households being possessed by their creditors is examined empirically. The results suggest that the ability to withdraw equity from the property either by remortgaging or `trading down' is important for borrowers who face financial difficulties. In addition, a relaxation of the non-interest terms of the mortgage contract is shown to lead to a rise in mortgage default, although this does not appear to have dampened the willingness of either mortgage borrowers or lenders to transact at high loan to value ratios. Understanding the underlying forces which cause repayment problems gives an important insight into the specification of both the mortgage demand and supply functions. In formulating such models, it is imperative that the dramatic structural changes in the market for mortgage finance are accounted for. This is particularly true for the supply side, and a formal theoretical model of building society interest rate setting is derived in which societies choose the degree to which they are either `member-' or `profit-oriented'. Interestingly, the model suggests that up to a point a building society may not alter either its mortgage or savings rate if its `preference for mutuality' were to change. Finally, reduced form cointegrating relationships for the quantity of mortgages traded, the mortgage interest rate and the loan to value ratio are estimated. The results are used to evaluate the extent of mortgage rationing during the 1970s; this research reaffirms the findings of other papers and anecdotal evidence to suggest that disequilibrium quantity rationing was substantial prior to 1980. In fact, a regime shift in the early 1980s is confirmed by the change in the way mortgage lenders have used combinations of the mortgage rate and the loan to value ratio to restrict lending.

While some parts of identity remain constant throughout one’s life, many aspects of a person’s identity are subject to rapid and constant change and negotiation. Using theories regarding the role possessions play in the construction, reinforcement, and manifestation of a person’s identity, this thesis project explores the potential to facilitate meaningful insights and awareness into one’s own identity. This will be achieved by designing a reflexive journaling process. A qualitative evaluation of this prototype journal process used by a pilot group of young creative individuals will generate an assessment of the proposed process

O consumo, especialmente em sociedades capitalistas, não está ligado apenas ao valor funcional dos produtos, mas também aos símbolos que eles representam. (MCCRACKEN 1986; 2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). Nessas sociedades, as posses tem influência na construção da identidade do indivíduo, que busca produtos para se associar a grupos ou a sub – grupos no seu cotidiano.(BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Sub – culturas de consumo, comunidades de marca e tribos tem se tornado grupos cada vez mais observados tanto pela academia de Marketing como pelas marcas. Alguns desses grupos já foram investigados principalmente nos EUA (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997; 2001). Estudos como os de Irwin (1973), indicam a possibilidade de uma organização semelhante representada pela figura do surfista. No Brasil, o mercado do surf, emprega mais de 140.000 pessoas e movimenta bilhões de reais anualmente (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). Com essa perspectiva em mente, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a existência de uma sub – cultura de consumo relacionada ao Surf no Brasil. A pesquisa buscou entender também a relação das posses tanto para o Surfista como para o simpatizante, que é o grande consumidor desse mercado (FORNECK 2008), e a relação das empresas do setor com esses indivíduos. Para esse fim foi seguida uma abordagem qualitativa multi métodos, com a utilização e integração das técnicas de Videografia, observação não participante, entrevistas em profundidade e elicitação visual. Além de entrevistas com Surfistas, simpatizantes e produtores de Marketing (empresas) foram realizadas observações a lojas de Surf e a um torneio comemorativo do esporte. Os resultados apontam a existência de uma tribo, representada na figura do Surfista. Essa tribo se integra por um estilo de vida comum, baseado em ideais como o amor ao esporte, a comunhão com a natureza, estilo de vida saudável e uma linguagem própria. Os resultados também apontam que o simpatizante está inserido em uma grande cultura de consumo, em que o mesmo busca roupas e acessórios para ser identificado dentro da sociedade. É aparente também a ação das marcas de Surf na apropriação de alguns dos ideais e do estilo de vida do surfista para vender um cenário ideal e um novo estilo de vida ao simpatizante. / The consumption, especially in the capitalist societies, isn´t connected only to the functional value of products. But also to the symbols that they represent (MCCRACKEN 1988;2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). In These societies, possessions have influence on the individual´s identity construction, Who search for products to associate himself to groups or sub groups in his every day life. (BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Subcultures of consumption, brand communities and tribes have gained more attention from the Marketing academy and Brands. Some of these groups have already been researched especially in the US (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997 ; 2001). Studies like the one performed by Irwin (1973), indicates a similar organization on the figure of the Surfer. In Brazil, the Surf market is responsible for more than 140.000 jobs and generates billions in the local currency annually. (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). With this perspective in mind, the current study had the objective to investigate the existence of a subculture of consumption related to the Surf in Brazil. The research aimed to understand also the role of possessions to the Surfer and the Sympathizer, the biggest responsible for the purchases on this market (FORNECK, 2008), and the relation of the companies of this sector with these individuals. To achieve this goal, it was followed a multi – methods approach with the integration of the techniques like Videography, In dept interviews, non participant observations and Photo Elicitation Technique. The results points to the existence of a tribe, represented on the figure of the Surfer. This tribes integrates itself by a common life style based in ideals like love to the sport, communion with nature, an healthy life Style and an own language. The results also shows that the sympathizer is insert in an large culture of consumption, where he buys clothes and accessories to be an part of the society. It is also apparent the role of the Surf brands on the appropriation of some the ideals and life style of the surfer to sell an new an ideal scenario and life style to the sympathizer.

O consumo, especialmente em sociedades capitalistas, não está ligado apenas ao valor funcional dos produtos, mas também aos símbolos que eles representam. (MCCRACKEN 1986; 2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). Nessas sociedades, as posses tem influência na construção da identidade do indivíduo, que busca produtos para se associar a grupos ou a sub – grupos no seu cotidiano.(BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Sub – culturas de consumo, comunidades de marca e tribos tem se tornado grupos cada vez mais observados tanto pela academia de Marketing como pelas marcas. Alguns desses grupos já foram investigados principalmente nos EUA (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997; 2001). Estudos como os de Irwin (1973), indicam a possibilidade de uma organização semelhante representada pela figura do surfista. No Brasil, o mercado do surf, emprega mais de 140.000 pessoas e movimenta bilhões de reais anualmente (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). Com essa perspectiva em mente, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a existência de uma sub – cultura de consumo relacionada ao Surf no Brasil. A pesquisa buscou entender também a relação das posses tanto para o Surfista como para o simpatizante, que é o grande consumidor desse mercado (FORNECK 2008), e a relação das empresas do setor com esses indivíduos. Para esse fim foi seguida uma abordagem qualitativa multi métodos, com a utilização e integração das técnicas de Videografia, observação não participante, entrevistas em profundidade e elicitação visual. Além de entrevistas com Surfistas, simpatizantes e produtores de Marketing (empresas) foram realizadas observações a lojas de Surf e a um torneio comemorativo do esporte. Os resultados apontam a existência de uma tribo, representada na figura do Surfista. Essa tribo se integra por um estilo de vida comum, baseado em ideais como o amor ao esporte, a comunhão com a natureza, estilo de vida saudável e uma linguagem própria. Os resultados também apontam que o simpatizante está inserido em uma grande cultura de consumo, em que o mesmo busca roupas e acessórios para ser identificado dentro da sociedade. É aparente também a ação das marcas de Surf na apropriação de alguns dos ideais e do estilo de vida do surfista para vender um cenário ideal e um novo estilo de vida ao simpatizante. / The consumption, especially in the capitalist societies, isn´t connected only to the functional value of products. But also to the symbols that they represent (MCCRACKEN 1988;2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). In These societies, possessions have influence on the individual´s identity construction, Who search for products to associate himself to groups or sub groups in his every day life. (BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Subcultures of consumption, brand communities and tribes have gained more attention from the Marketing academy and Brands. Some of these groups have already been researched especially in the US (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997 ; 2001). Studies like the one performed by Irwin (1973), indicates a similar organization on the figure of the Surfer. In Brazil, the Surf market is responsible for more than 140.000 jobs and generates billions in the local currency annually. (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). With this perspective in mind, the current study had the objective to investigate the existence of a subculture of consumption related to the Surf in Brazil. The research aimed to understand also the role of possessions to the Surfer and the Sympathizer, the biggest responsible for the purchases on this market (FORNECK, 2008), and the relation of the companies of this sector with these individuals. To achieve this goal, it was followed a multi – methods approach with the integration of the techniques like Videography, In dept interviews, non participant observations and Photo Elicitation Technique. The results points to the existence of a tribe, represented on the figure of the Surfer. This tribes integrates itself by a common life style based in ideals like love to the sport, communion with nature, an healthy life Style and an own language. The results also shows that the sympathizer is insert in an large culture of consumption, where he buys clothes and accessories to be an part of the society. It is also apparent the role of the Surf brands on the appropriation of some the ideals and life style of the surfer to sell an new an ideal scenario and life style to the sympathizer.

O consumo, especialmente em sociedades capitalistas, não está ligado apenas ao valor funcional dos produtos, mas também aos símbolos que eles representam. (MCCRACKEN 1986; 2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). Nessas sociedades, as posses tem influência na construção da identidade do indivíduo, que busca produtos para se associar a grupos ou a sub – grupos no seu cotidiano.(BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Sub – culturas de consumo, comunidades de marca e tribos tem se tornado grupos cada vez mais observados tanto pela academia de Marketing como pelas marcas. Alguns desses grupos já foram investigados principalmente nos EUA (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997; 2001). Estudos como os de Irwin (1973), indicam a possibilidade de uma organização semelhante representada pela figura do surfista. No Brasil, o mercado do surf, emprega mais de 140.000 pessoas e movimenta bilhões de reais anualmente (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). Com essa perspectiva em mente, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a existência de uma sub – cultura de consumo relacionada ao Surf no Brasil. A pesquisa buscou entender também a relação das posses tanto para o Surfista como para o simpatizante, que é o grande consumidor desse mercado (FORNECK 2008), e a relação das empresas do setor com esses indivíduos. Para esse fim foi seguida uma abordagem qualitativa multi métodos, com a utilização e integração das técnicas de Videografia, observação não participante, entrevistas em profundidade e elicitação visual. Além de entrevistas com Surfistas, simpatizantes e produtores de Marketing (empresas) foram realizadas observações a lojas de Surf e a um torneio comemorativo do esporte. Os resultados apontam a existência de uma tribo, representada na figura do Surfista. Essa tribo se integra por um estilo de vida comum, baseado em ideais como o amor ao esporte, a comunhão com a natureza, estilo de vida saudável e uma linguagem própria. Os resultados também apontam que o simpatizante está inserido em uma grande cultura de consumo, em que o mesmo busca roupas e acessórios para ser identificado dentro da sociedade. É aparente também a ação das marcas de Surf na apropriação de alguns dos ideais e do estilo de vida do surfista para vender um cenário ideal e um novo estilo de vida ao simpatizante. / The consumption, especially in the capitalist societies, isn´t connected only to the functional value of products. But also to the symbols that they represent (MCCRACKEN 1988;2003; FEATHERSTONE 1995). In These societies, possessions have influence on the individual´s identity construction, Who search for products to associate himself to groups or sub groups in his every day life. (BELK 1988; SCHOUTEN e MCLAEXANDER 1995; COVA 1999;2010; MAFESSOLI 2006). Subcultures of consumption, brand communities and tribes have gained more attention from the Marketing academy and Brands. Some of these groups have already been researched especially in the US (SCHOUTEN e MCALEXANDER 1995 ; KOZINETS 1997 ; 2001). Studies like the one performed by Irwin (1973), indicates a similar organization on the figure of the Surfer. In Brazil, the Surf market is responsible for more than 140.000 jobs and generates billions in the local currency annually. (ZUCO ET AL, 2002). With this perspective in mind, the current study had the objective to investigate the existence of a subculture of consumption related to the Surf in Brazil. The research aimed to understand also the role of possessions to the Surfer and the Sympathizer, the biggest responsible for the purchases on this market (FORNECK, 2008), and the relation of the companies of this sector with these individuals. To achieve this goal, it was followed a multi – methods approach with the integration of the techniques like Videography, In dept interviews, non participant observations and Photo Elicitation Technique. The results points to the existence of a tribe, represented on the figure of the Surfer. This tribes integrates itself by a common life style based in ideals like love to the sport, communion with nature, an healthy life Style and an own language. The results also shows that the sympathizer is insert in an large culture of consumption, where he buys clothes and accessories to be an part of the society. It is also apparent the role of the Surf brands on the appropriation of some the ideals and life style of the surfer to sell an new an ideal scenario and life style to the sympathizer.

Cette recherche doctorale vise une meilleure compréhension des facteurs sous-tendant les phénomènes de conservation et de dépossession des biens de consommation, et se focalise plus spécifiquement sur le comportement de dépossession volontaire de vente d’occasion C to C (Consumer to Consumer). L’état de l’art de ce champ d’études, peu développé en comportement du consommateur, met en exergue des manques conceptuels et empiriques que nous investiguons au travers de trois axes de recherche : 1) les comportements du consommateur à l’égard des possessions dont il n’a plus l’utilité ; 2) les mécanismes motivationnels en œuvre dans la dépossession volontaire des biens via la vente d’occasion ; 3) les profils des consommateurs s’improvisant vendeurs, que nous nommons les «consommerçants» (contraction de «consommateur» et «commerçant»). Cinq études qualitatives exploratoires sont réalisées - une netnographie, deux vagues d’entretiens semi-directifs, un focus group, des entretiens d’expert- puis complétées par deux collectes de données quantitatives (N=127 et N=646). Le construit de Motivations à la Vente d’Occasion (MVO) apparait notamment lié au choix du circuit de vente (virtuel ou physique). Les analyses confirmatoires menées au moyen de modèles de premier et second ordre révèlent quatre dimensions du construit : récréationnelle, économique, générative, et critique. A partir de l'élaboration de l'échelle de mesure des MVO présentant des qualités psychométriques satisfaisantes (fiabilité et validité convergente, discriminante et prédictive), et des variables sociodémographiques, psychologiques et comportementales mobilisées, quatre profils de consommerçants sont identifiés. / This doctoral research aims at understanding the underlying factors associated with conservation and dispossession of consumer goods. We particularly focus on voluntary dispossession behavior through C to C (Consumer to Consumer) secondhand resale. The literature on this topic is underdeveloped by consumer behavior researchers. We address these theoretical and empirical gaps along three main research axes: 1) consumer behavior towards possessions of which they have no further use; 2) motivational mechanisms associated with voluntary dispossession through secondhand resale; 3) a typology analysis of consumers who improvise as salesmen (we classify them as “consommerçants”, by means of a French neologism combining the terms “consumer” and “tradesman” ). Five exploratory qualitative studies – a netnography, two series of semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and expert interviews – are carried out, and supplemented by two quantitative data collections (N=127 and N=646). Among other primary results, the Secondhand Selling Motivations construct (SSM) is related to the choice of distribution channel (virtual or physical). Moreover, confirmatory analyses conducted via first and second order measurement models reveals four dimensions defining this construct : recreational, economic, generative, and critical. Through the use of the SSM measurement scale, which demonstrates satisfactory psychometric qualities (reliability, as well as convergent, discriminate and predictive validity), and other demographical, psychological and behavioral variables, we establish four profiles of consommerçants via cluster analysis.