Impact and Cultural Dimensions of the Barcelona Olympic Symbology (the Case of the Mascot)

Abstract

There are three analytical aspects discussed in this sociological research on the olympic mascot understood as a socially constructed reality. These three aspects perfectly interrelated are the following The symbolic, the economic and the aesthetic. At the same time a series of aspects of the mascot that are characteristic of the cultural production of contemporany societies must also be stressed. In synthesis these are: 1) Cobi is a type of intangible object, technically reproducible in all sorts of mediums (materials), firms and volumes. 2) It is a multipurpose product as much from the symbolic as the commercial viewpoint. 3) It is an ephemeral object destined to pass out of fashion. 4) It is a local creation but with a difusion and commercialization throughout the world. 5) It is an innovative product legitimised by its creator's caracter. 6) As an emblematic symbol it generates resistance.