Overview
Conspicuous consumption is a significant concept in sociology that examines how individuals use their purchasing power to signal wealth and social status. This behavior often leads to the reinforcement of social hierarchies and economic inequality, as those with more resources can afford to display ...
Key Terms
Example: Purchasing luxury cars to show off status.
Example: High social status often leads to higher consumption.
Example: Analyzing why people choose luxury brands.
Example: The gap between rich and poor in society.
Example: Wearing designer clothes to signal wealth.
Example: Designer handbags and expensive watches.
Related Topics
Consumerism
The cultural and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services.
intermediateSocial Stratification
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, and prestige.
intermediateMaterialism
A value system that prioritizes material possessions over spiritual or intellectual values.
intermediateKey Concepts
social statusconsumer behavioreconomic inequalitycultural signaling