pseudoauthenticity

Pseudoauthenticity is a term used in cultural studies and consumer culture to describe representations that simulate authenticity rather than arising from genuine tradition. It denotes a claim of genuineness that is produced or curated, often for commercial or political ends.

The idea sits at the intersection of authenticity and aura. While some theorists argue that authenticity cannot be manufactured, others note that audiences respond to signs of origin, craft, and locality even when those signals are staged. Pseudoauthenticity thus refers to practices that imitate or evoke tradition, heritage, or “real” culture without verifiable roots.

Common mechanisms include signs of craft and heritage such as handmade or vintage cues, artisanal branding, and limited editions; staged or performative culture in heritage tourism; retro aesthetics in fashion and design; and marketing that foreground locality or indigenous imagery while production occurs elsewhere. In food and drink, for example, menus or products may claim "authentic" lineage to justify premium pricing.

Critics argue that pseudoauthenticity can mislead consumers, distort cultural production, and turn diverse practices into commodified signals. It can also perpetuate stereotypes or erase contemporary lived realities in favor of a nostalgic or marketable image.

Proponents sometimes contend that even constructed experiences can foster interest or engagement if they are transparent about their nature and inclusive in their representation. Related concepts include authenticity, commodification, heritage branding, and tourism authenticity.