📚 Learning Guide
Conspicuous Consumption and Class
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How does conspicuous consumption influence social mobility in stratified societies?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

It can enhance an individual's social status, enabling upward mobility.

B

It has no effect on social mobility, as class is determined solely by income.

C

It primarily benefits lower classes by allowing them to appear wealthy.

D

It decreases social mobility by reinforcing existing class divisions.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

Conspicuous consumption is when people buy expensive items to show off their wealth and status. In stratified societies, where social classes are clearly defined, this behavior can influence social mobility, or the ability to move up or down in social class. For example, if a person from a lower class buys luxury goods, it might impress others and create opportunities for networking or social connections that can help them advance. However, it can also reinforce class divisions, as people may judge others based on their consumption rather than their abilities or character. Overall, conspicuous consumption can both open doors and create barriers in the social ladder.

Detailed Explanation

When people show off their wealth, it can make them seem more important. Other options are incorrect because Some think that only money decides class; It's a common belief that lower classes benefit from pretending to be rich.

Key Concepts

Social stratification
Social mobility
Topic

Conspicuous Consumption and Class

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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