Rationalizing Inconsistent Definitions of Commodification: A Social Exchange Perspective

Commodification is a widely used and inconsistentlydefined concept. Inconsistent definitions of commodification, this paperobserves, exist because alternative outcomes and consequences of convertingrelational goods into commodities are confused with the definition ofcommodification-social exchanges that convert relational goods into commodities.Distinguishing between alternative outcomes and consequences of commodificationand the definition of commodification allows us to rationalize inconsistentdefinitions of commodification. In rationalizing inconsistent definitions ofcommodification, it is important to distinguish between commodities (goods valuedfor their ability to satisfy physical needs) and relational goods (goods valuedat least in part for their connections to people which enables them to satisfysocio-emotional needs). The process of commodification is described asrelocating relational goods from the humanistic sphere and relocating them inthe commodity sphere.