The Social Construction of Hoarding
Hoarding has long been a subject of fascination, concern, and debate. While often portrayed in media as an extreme and perplexing behavior, hoarding is a complex phenomenon that is shaped by more than just individual psychology. Instead, it is deeply influenced by social, cultural, and historical factors. Understanding hoarding through a social constructionist lens allows us to see how society defines, perceives, and responds to this behavior, shaping the experiences of those who hoard.
Hoarding is often seen as a personal struggle, but it's also shaped by social and cultural influences. What defines "hoarding" varies across societies, influenced by consumerism, economic conditions, and shifting social values. While one culture may view excessive accumulation as resourcefulness, another may label it as a disorder (Frost & Steketee, 2014).
How Society Defines Hoarding
The distinction between collecting, saving, and hoarding is largely socially constructed. In times of scarcity, stockpiling may be seen as a survival strategy, whereas in wealthier societies that value minimalism, it can be pathologized (Nordsletten & Mataix-Cols, 2014). Public policies and housing regulations further shape how hoarding is addressed, from punitive fines to supportive interventions.
The Role of Media and Stigma
Media portrayals of hoarding often sensationalize extreme cases, reinforcing stigma and simplifying a complex issue. These portrayals can discourage individuals from seeking help and contribute to public misconceptions (Cherrier & Murray, 2009). The result? Social isolation, eviction risks, and legal intervention rather than compassionate support.
Innovative community-based interventions
Innovative community-based interventions have shown promise in addressing hoarding behaviors. For instance, a recent project in Gloucester, UK, provided personalised psychological support and decluttering services, leading to improved living conditions and reduced social isolation for participants theguardian.com. This approach underscores the importance of empathy and tailored support over punitive measures.
Rethinking Hoarding
Understanding hoarding through a social lens encourages empathy and more effective solutions. Rather than viewing it as solely an individual disorder, acknowledging the role of material culture, economic insecurity, and societal expectations can lead to better policies and support systems (Wertz, 2018).
Sources
Frost, Randy O., and Gail Steketee. Hoarding: The Basics. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Nordsletten, Ashley E., and David Mataix-Cols. "Hoarding versus collecting: Where does pathology diverge from play?" Clinical Psychology Review 34, no. 3 (2014): 234-246.
Cherrier, Hélène, and Jeff B. Murray. "Hoarding as identity work: A social constructionist approach to material accumulation." Journal of Consumer Research 35, no. 6 (2009): 627-640.
Taylor, Stephanie. Narratives of Identity and Place. Routledge, 2010.
Wertz, Fred. "A Phenomenological Investigation of Hoarding Behavior." Journal of Humanistic Psychology 58, no. 2 (2018): 150-170.
"The Social Constructions of Hoarding Behaviour: Accumulation and..." Carleton University, 2023.
"I'm never going back to living like this': how an innovative project is helping hoarders." The Guardian, February 4, 2025.
