Résumé
This research uses neo-institutional theory to explain the growth of past-related concepts in brand positioning. After a literature review presenting the socio-cultural context, bibliometric and historical analysis show that the past as positioning axis emerge from the 2000s as a result of institutional work simultaneously in marketing research, education and practice. Results contribute to research on the circulation of novel ideas in marketing, they also question the hierarchy of the three pillars of legitimacy when it comes to positioning.