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Clothing's Role: Function & Expression

Clothing serves both instrumental and expressive functions according to psychologist Flugel. The instrumental function involves using clothing for practical goals like finding work or a partner. The expressive function shows individuality and affiliation with social groups through revealing beliefs, emotions, and status. Clothing can simultaneously fulfill both functions, such as uniforms that are protective but also express group membership.

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1K views1 page

Clothing's Role: Function & Expression

Clothing serves both instrumental and expressive functions according to psychologist Flugel. The instrumental function involves using clothing for practical goals like finding work or a partner. The expressive function shows individuality and affiliation with social groups through revealing beliefs, emotions, and status. Clothing can simultaneously fulfill both functions, such as uniforms that are protective but also express group membership.

Uploaded by

rockwithakm
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Instrumental and Expressive Functions of Clothing

Clothing can have multiple functions. As pointed out by Psychologist Flugel (1930),
the countless functions of clothing can be divided into two broad categories:

 The instrumental function of clothing involves the rational use of clothes in goal-
oriented behavior. Clothing can be utilitarian and protective; it can be used to obtain
desired rewards. Some rewards may be subtle, such as extensive comfort or security.
More specific rewards might be finding a job, winning friends, or finding a marriage
partner. The cliché “clothes make a man” implies a universal understanding that
clothes can be used to change identity, perhaps from one social class to another. The
customary use of special clothing at weddings, religious ceremonies, and graduation
ceremonies to foretell changes in status and changes in the rights and privileges of
related personnel is essentially helpful.

 The expressive function involves the emotional and communication aspects of


clothing. Through clothes, people can express their individuality by emphasizing
unique physical characteristics or using unique aesthetics. At the same time, through
clothes, people can express the affiliation of the group or the values and standards of
the group. Therefore, in an expressive sense, clothing reveals something to everyone:
their beliefs, emotions, status, status, and position in the power structure. Clothing
may symbolize a connection with a particular social group, such as family, social
class, occupation, or religion.

Clothing can show both instrumental and expressive function at the same time. For
instance, ceremonial clothing and functional or utilitarian uniforms maybe both expressive
and instrumental when they are associated with group belonging, self-importance, or
attractiveness.

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