Final answer:
Belk's theory that describes the importance of possessions in forming one's identity is known as the extended self. This concept aligns with symbolic interactionism and suggests that personal possessions reflect our identity, influenced by social interactions and cultural norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Belk's theory describing the importance of possessions to the description of one's self is known as the extended self. This concept builds on the notion that our personal possessions play a significant role in constructing and expressing our identities. For example, items such as clothing, cars, and homes can be seen as extensions of our identity, reflecting our personal tastes, socioeconomic status, and personality traits. This idea aligns with symbolic interactionism, which examines how individuals use symbols like language, gestures, and artifacts in their daily interactions and construes their reality accordingly. Symbolic interactionists assert that our self-concept is influenced by social interaction and how we believe others perceive us. Cultural factors also heavily shape the concept of the extended self, with different societal norms and values influencing which possessions are considered extensions of the self. For instance, in certain cultures, specific types of jewelry or clothing may be particularly significant indicators of personal or social identity.