Study goals
Investigate LAT relationships in Brazil and their consumption dynamics to understand how autonomy, intimacy, and identity are negotiated outside cohabitation.
Relevance / originality
First Brazilian study on LAT relationships; expands Household Life Cycle theory and contributes to demographic and consumer behavior literature.
Methodology / approach
Qualitative analysis of 8 in-depth interviews using Consumer Culture Theory and Self-Determination Theory to explore relational and consumption practices.
Main results
LAT is a deliberate lifestyle choice valuing autonomy, experience-oriented consumption, and emotional maturity over material accumulation and traditional cohabitation
Theoretical / methodological contributions
Integrates LAT into the Second Demographic Transition and Household Life Cycle as a legitimate relational model with unique consumer identity.
Social / management contributions
Highlights LAT as a growing consumer segment that challenges marketing strategies based on shared households and promotes autonomy-centered experiences