As part of the exhibition "Pure Luxury" from 10 September 2019 to 13 April 2020 at the Foundation Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, research work on impulsive (uncontrolled) and pathological (addictive) buying behavior by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Raab will be presented.
In Germany today, luxury is seemingly always and everywhere accessible in the face of globalization and media networking. Many use the opportunities for self-expression, some provoke envy and indignation. Is luxury a symptom of our times? Is luxury widening the gap between rich and poor? Is less perhaps more? These questions accompany the history of luxury and show it as a phenomenon that moves society: as a sign of social status, as an indicator of prosperity and an economic factor, as an expression of lifestyles and as the epitome of inequality.
In seven thematic areas, the exhibition is dedicated to different ideas of luxury, both from a historical perspective and with a view to the present: from material examples such as cars, jewelry and fashion, to immaterial needs such as time, peace and security, to lifestyles that consciously forego luxury and consumption.
The inclusion of Prof. Dr. Gerhard Raab's research work in the "Pure Luxury" exhibition at the Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Zeitgeschichtliches Forum foundation is a testament to the research capabilities of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG). Prof. Dr. Gerhard Raab is regarded nationally and internationally as one of the leading scientists in the field of research into impulsive (uncontrolled) and pathological (addictive) buying behavior. The representative studies on the development and spread of impulsive (uncontrolled) and pathological (addictive) buying behavior in Germany, which have been conducted under his collaboration and direction since 1989, are considered to be the most comprehensive studies (data) on this field of research worldwide. In addition, the first studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and biofeedback were carried out under his leadership.
Further information on the exhibition and the research work and publications can be found at