Abstract The symbolic value is psychological benefits that brands provide. It is of great significance for enterprises to gain competitive advantage and consumers to shape the self-image. Research on symbolic value in the past six decades has been developing along different directions due to differences in understanding with abundant accumulation. The paper first use content analysis to outline research on symbol value from the consumer area distribution, research methods, study object, research topics etc., and then clarifies the difference between symbolic value and status consumption, conspicuous consumption, face consumption etc. Finally, future research is discussed on this basis.
2013, Vol. 10 
