Question 1

A phaser from the original Star Trek show, Archie Bunker's chair from All in the Family, and one of John Lennon's guitars are all examples of how common objects can take on sacred meaning through a process known as:

Accepted Answer

These items have undergone objectification, where objects are given value or meaning beyond their physical form, often due to their association with significant cultural events, figures, or moments in history.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a sacred place?

Accepted Answer

Ground Zero in Manhattan, the site of the September 11 attacks, is considered a sacred place due to its significance in American history and the collective memory of the tragedy that occurred there. It is a place of mourning, remembrance, and respect for those who lost their lives.

Question 3

Thelma collects unusual salt and pepper shakers. Recently she purchased a set shaped like leeks. When she returned home she placed them with the rest of her collection in their special room. They became:

Accepted Answer

When Thelma places the leek-shaped salt and pepper shakers with her collection, they become sacralized. This means they are given special significance or value beyond their ordinary function, especially as part of a collection of unusual items.

Question 4

Souvenir reproductions of the Eiffel Tower or the CN Tower are examples of profane objects.

Accepted Answer

Souvenir reproductions of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the CN Tower are considered profane objects because they are ordinary, everyday items without any sacred or religious significance.

Question 5

Many types of consumer activity involve the marking of boundaries, or binary opposition, such as good versus bad, regular versus low-cal, etc. Objects or events that are set apart from normal activities and treated with some degree of respect or awe are called:

Accepted Answer

Objects or events that are set apart from normal activities and treated with respect or awe are referred to as "sacred." This term is used in various contexts, including consumer behavior, to denote things that are not merely ordinary or commonplace but hold a special status.

Question 6

The Pope would be an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

The Pope is considered a sacred person within the context of the Roman Catholic Church, embodying religious authority and spiritual significance.

Question 7

Discuss Halloween as an example of an antifestival.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss Halloween as an example of an...

Question 8

Explain the difference between sacred and profane consumption.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between sacred and profane...

Question 9

When a woman "puts on her face," she is demonstrating binary opposition by using her personal ritual to transform herself to a more socially acceptable look.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "puts on her face" refers to applying makeup, which can be seen as a transformation aligning with societal beauty standards, illustrating binary opposition between natural and socially constructed appearances.

Question 10

When something once considered sacred becomes more commonplace, even mass-produced, we say that a process of ________ has occurred.

Accepted Answer

Desacralization refers to the process of something losing its sacred status, which fits the context of the question.

Question 11

During the presentation stage, the process of the gift exchange can be viewed as structural or emergent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the presentation stage, the process of...

Question 12

Ron is considering giving his girlfriend a lawn mower for a gift. Discuss the potential pros and cons of this idea.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ron is considering giving his girlfriend a...

Question 13

Bob is a lover of antiques. Each Saturday he visits the local garage sales where he gets great finds. His house is full of his finds. He can be termed a:

Accepted Answer

Bob's behavior of seeking out and keeping antiques because he loves them fits the definition of a collector, someone who gathers items of a specific type due to interest or value.

Question 14

Using two types of binary oppositions, use beauty products to illustrate how marketers might appeal to each opposition.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using two types of binary oppositions, use...

Question 15

Could rituals serve as a segmentation variable? Explain your answer, including a specific example if you believe so.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Could rituals serve as a segmentation variable?...

Question 16

Carl Thorne has just passed the final test to become a member of a college fraternity. This rite of passage has moved Carl from being an individual to being a member of a bonded group. When Carl receives his fraternity pin in a final ceremony and joins his new brothers, he will have passed through the final stage. According to the text, what would this final stage be called?

Accepted Answer

The final stage described is called aggregation, which refers to the process of integrating an individual into a group, in this case, a fraternity, marking the transition from being an outsider to becoming a recognized member of the group.

Question 17

Profane consumption involves use of vulgar objects such as pornography.

Accepted Answer

Profane consumption refers to the use of objects in ways that are considered disrespectful to their sacred or intended use, not specifically to the use of vulgar objects like pornography.

Question 18

Fans may wish to own something that was once owned by Elvis Presley, and if successful, they may value the object as sacred. This is a result of a process known as:

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D) contamination. This psychological process involves the belief that objects can acquire value or special properties through their association with a person or event. In this case, an object once owned by Elvis Presley is valued more highly because of its association with him, as fans may believe it carries some of his essence or significance.

Question 19

Profane consumption involves:

Accepted Answer

Profane consumption refers to the use of ordinary, everyday consumer goods, as opposed to sacred or extraordinary items.

Question 20

Rituals are much more likely to be practised in primitive societies than in modern ones.

Accepted Answer

Rituals are practiced in both primitive and modern societies, though their forms and contexts may differ. Modern societies engage in rituals through religious ceremonies, national holidays, personal milestones (like weddings and birthdays), and even in daily routines, reflecting the continued importance of rituals in organizing social life and marking significant events.

Quiz 14: Cultural Influences on Consumer Behaviour