The Symbolic Meaning of Objects

Our identities search for the meaning of objects to reflect our authentic self and express our aspirations. Objects carry a weight of symbolic meaning far beyond their tangible existence.

Why is the world us filled with objects that do more than serve a practical purpose?

Why and how do these objects reveal themselves to us?

What is the essence that they seem to exude?

The study of objects is a rich territory explored by philosophers, sociologists, and even the business community.

For philosophy enthusiasts like myself and seekers of self-actualization, this article will be insightful. It will demonstrate the symbolic significance of objects. It also explains how they resonate with our own identities. This is illuminated by the insights of French sociologist and cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard and subsequent research on consumer behavior.

The Symbolic Meaning of a Chair

Imagine a seemingly mundane object—a chair, for example. At face value, it’s an item designed for sitting. But dig deeper, and it becomes a seat of power, a throne, a place of rest, or a symbol of hospitality. 

Objects are imbued with an aura that transcends their functionality, and as Baudrillard and others have pointed out, they hold a mirror up to who we are.

The Mirror of Consumption

Shopping can seem like a simple transactional act of acquiring what we need or desire. Yet, there’s a deeper psychological dance at play, as we often select items based on how they reflect our self-perception or how they contribute to the identity we wish to project to the world.

When we choose an article of clothing, a piece of art, or any other item, we are subconsciously seeking a mirror—a reflection of our identities.

This extension of self into the objects we surround ourselves with was profoundly noted by Russell W. Belk who is a prominent consumer behavior researcher and professor of marketing at York University in Toronto, Canada. He wrote about the self-expansion and self-extension we experience through our possessions.

Possessions, thus, do more than tell a story about taste or preference; they symbolize fragments of our very being. They are legible artifacts that communicate to others—and to ourselves—the narrative of who we are, what we value, and how we wish to be perceived.

The intertwining of object and identity isn’t merely philosophical musings; it’s a dynamic recognized and capitalized upon by modern marketers.

Drawing insights from consumer research, the business world has learned that the things we buy and keep close are not mere possessions but extensions of our self-concept. Accordingly, objects are marketed not just by their practicality but by the essence they invoke, catering to the continuous human need for self-expression.

Objects Are Symbolic Extensions of Meaning

Objects around us unveil themselves through layers of culture, personal meaning, and societal structures. They are more than what they are—they are symbols, they are extensions, they are invitations to explore facets of our identity. 

Whether you’re curating a sacred collection of books, fashioning a home, or even making a vision board, remember that each choice echoes a deeper call for affinity between the essence of the object and the essence of the self. In comprehending this profound connection, one realizes why and how objects reveal themselves to us—because, in ways small and grand, they are us.

Do We Really Need Objects?

Here’s a truth you might not have considered before: we don’t need objects. They’re not part of who we are as individuals, and they don’t meet our basic needs as humans. So why do we feel so compelled to buy things that we don’t need to survive?

Jean Baudrillard, a sociologist and author, focused his research on the topic of consumption. According to Baudrillard, we have come to believe that objects are a necessary source of our satisfaction. We believe we truly need things, and we become motivated by their existence.

Of course, just because we don’t need objects to survive doesn’t mean they don’t matter.

Imagine what would happen if we were not drawn to objects. Family heirlooms would be viewed as nothing more than old, irrelevant relics from the past. Clothes would be nothing more than pieces of fabric, not representations of people’s individuality and style. Would all objects be left without symbolic meaning?

Without a strong attraction to objects, we would not be compelled to give objects value or meaning. And yet, we do give objects value and meaning. Why do we do this? Because we use objects to uncover and express who we really are.

When we understand our objects as representations of ourselves, we can better understand the motivations that lead us into action.

Why do some people spend thousands on a mountain bike?

Why do others spend years saving for the house of their dreams?

This deep level of motivation can’t be explained by the most basic theories of Western motivation based on survival.

The Meanings in Objects Help Create Our Identity

Through your choices of which objects to purchase, which ones to get rid of in a move, and which ones to hold on to forever, you are literally creating your identity. The objects in your life become extensions of who you are.

If an object that conforms to your identity is taken away, you will, in some form, replace it, and if an object is non-conforming, you will get rid of it. Interestingly, our objects often do a better job of representing our true selves than we can when trying to describe ourselves.

Since our objects represent our authentic selves, when we buy things, we are telling the world, “This is who I am. Whatever I have in my house is who I am. It is me, and I am it.” We commodify objects that conform to our Authentic Identities.

Deconstructing Objects

Imagine something you would like to have. For me, it would be a Bentley Continental GT Convertible. What exactly am I attracted to? What if the car was deconstructed and scattered on a warehouse floor?

I would have: cans of paint, sheets of metal, rubber, plastic, leather, cloth, glass, and a variety of other materials. However, when reconstructed into a whole, they become a complete object that I want to possess. Why? Because the car as a whole means something.

A fully constructed Bentley is a symbol of luxury and beauty, whereas the separate parts just look like a messy garage.

The Clothes Really Do Make the Person

The same process happens even when we buy something as basic as a shirt. We all need clothing, but the clothes you wear aren’t just pieces of fabric sewn together; you differentiate and express your unique identity through your clothes. We choose to purchase clothing that conforms to who we believe we are. While we define objects, our objects define us, too.

Even if you don’t care about buying clothes and your wardrobe is made up of random items that were on sale, those clothes are still symbolic because they represent your lack of concern for fashion trends or your outward appearance, which can also be considered symbolic.

In essence, the symbolic meaning of objects challenges us to embrace the complexity of our own identities. Objects serve as tangible representations of our inner landscapes, acting as both mirrors and extensions of who we are. 

Marketers Link Objects with Our Identities

Although objects are important and allow us to define ourselves, the advertising world can trick us into believing we need their particular item, such as a flashy new car or a designer handbag.

For years, marketers have worked hard to give their products personalities to grab the attention of their desired customer base.

By giving each item its own identity, they are able to stand out from the competition and draw in more customers. Two brands of dish soap might be identical, so it’s up to the manufacturers and advertisers to make Soap A stand out from Soap B.

Manufacturers want you to ask yourself, “Who am I?” They want to link their product to your identity, and by doing so, customers gain an additional form of self-expression while businesses reap financial benefits.

Relationship with the Meaning of Objects

Our relationship with the objects we choose is deeply intentional. Every item we bring into our lives contributes to the narrative we express about ourselves. Recognizing this power invites us to think more deliberately about our choices. Understand that what we surround ourselves with extends beyond mere aesthetics and practicality. 

As consumers in a marketplace that often blurs the lines between need and desire, we must remain vigilant. By consciously selecting objects that align with our true selves, we not only enhance our lives but also draw boundaries against the superficial messages that seek to entice us. In doing so, we reclaim our identities, ensuring that our possessions reflect our core values and aspirations.

Explore the Symbolic Meaning of Objects

Ultimately, exploring the symbolic meaning of objects helps us understand both our identities and cultural consumption. We are shaped by what we own, but we can also define how those objects resonate with us. 

It is a good practice to see our belongings as highly symbolic and parts of our identity. Let’s strive to be aware of this relationship, allowing our choices to reflect our true essence rather than fleeting trends.

The next time you find yourself drawn to an object, take a moment to reflect on its significance in your life. What does it say about you? How does it encapsulate your aspirations and experiences? These reflections can guide you in curating a life that truly resonates with your authentic self. This way you can experience more symbolic meaning and true self-reflection in your daily life.