Hannah Torres, Dr. Rachel Olsthoorn, & Dr. Jaime Matera
“As humans, we have the ability to form attachments and emotions towards the material items we own throughout our lives. The action of collecting has evolved to become a hobby that many individuals are able to participate in both individually and as a community. The items people choose to collect often vary as their possessions become a reflection of their personal interests, passions, and values. This research explores the motivations that are able to influence a collector’s involvement in the hobby of collecting. The two main focuses being the sentimental influence versus the monetary value an individual’s collection can be worth. Analyzing the impact nostalgia and investment can have on an individual’s experience in collecting allows for a better understanding of the relationship that is created between a collector and the material culture that surrounds the hobby.
To achieve this understanding, the research analyzes the subculture of the sports card collecting community. Further investigating this subculture allows for a better view of what factors influence the hobby’s popularity. Through the responses from online surveys, a platform was created for sports card collectors to anonymously describe their own experiences. Analyzing the narratives of the hobbyists creates a better understanding of how certain motives are able to impact and shape a collector’s outlook when building their collections of mementos. The insight that is received allows for a reflection of what makes a sports card so valuable. Participants discuss if a sports card becomes more valuable due to the card’s pricelessness to their owner, or the price that is placed because of the monetary demand for the card. The aim of the study is to explore the motivations behind collecting and its impact on an individuals’ actions. With the influence of human behavior and material culture, objects that are acquired over time are able to serve as symbols of a collector’s identity and passions. The items people collect hold deep importance to each individual, especially when the main motivation for the item evolves from the nostalgic feeling that is experienced, or the potential for a financial profit.”