Internal and External Factors Influencing (Luxury/Sustainability/Pleasure) Consumption Behaviour- The Relationship Between Social Comparison and Appearance and Consumption Behaviour

Abstract

This paper proposes that the emerging consumer behavior, especially in the context of luxury, sustainability, and indulgence, is influenced by a dynamic relationship between internal psychological forces and external social forces. It emphasizes the role of personal concept, self-esteem, body image, and psychological needs, which push consumers to demand products that help them in maintaining identity, authenticity, and emotional comfort. Luxury goods are used as self-expression as well as social status, and indulgent consumption gives short-term satisfaction, while long-term sustainable decisions are based on long-term moral identity. Consumer choices are greatly influenced by external forces like social comparisons, peer pressure, cultural beliefs, and media. The upward and downward comparisons are bred by social media, and the appearance motivations and exclusivity preferences are magnified. Wider influences, such as income inequality, also have an effect on consumption as they heighten demand for status-oriented luxury goods and constrain the use of sustainable alternatives. On the whole, this paper argues that consumption can never be functional in any way; it is a result of the current bargaining between the identity of the internal world and the external society. The primary mediators, the links between personal desires and social justifications, are the social comparison and appearance issues. To the businesses, it implies matching the products to identity values and observable sustainability. To policymakers, the solution should be to ensure that sustainability is a dream that is to be achieved despite the social barriers.