Abstract

Minimalism in consumption can be expressed in various forms, such as monochromatic home design, wardrobe capsules, tiny home living, and decluttering. This research offers a unified understanding of the variegated displays of minimalism by establishing a conceptual definition of consumer minimalism and developing the twelve-item Minimalist Consumer Scale to measure the construct. Three distinct dimensions of consumer minimalism are identified: number of possessions (reflecting the ownership of few possessions), sparse aesthetic (reflecting the preference for simple and uncomplicated designs), and mindfully curated consumption (reflecting the thoughtful selection of possessions). A series of studies, using samples from a variety of populations (N = 3,735) demonstrates the validity and reliability of the tridimensional Minimalist Consumer Scale, situates the measure conceptually and empirically within a broader nomological network of related constructs (e.g., voluntary simplicity, frugality, green values, materialism), and documents the scale's ability to predict relevant consumer preferences and behaviors.
Web appendix http://www.columbia.edu/~sb3761/WebAppendixFinal.pdf

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Citation

Bellezza, Silvia, and Anne Wilson (equal authorship). "Consumer Minimalism." Journal of Consumer Research (forthcoming).

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