Which theory examines the class status that one publicly indicates through conspicuous consumption?

What Is Conspicuous Consumption?

Conspicuous consumption is the purchase of goods or services for the specific purpose of displaying one's wealth. Conspicuous consumption is a means to show one's social status, especially when publicly displayed goods and services are too expensive for other members of a person's class. This type of consumption is typically associated with the wealthy but can also apply to any economic class.

Key Takeaways

  • Conspicuous consumption is a term coined by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen.
  • Conspicuous consumption can be applied to luxury goods that are easily recognizable as high-end, expensive items.
  • Tech, cars, and clothing can all be examples of items related to conscious consumption.
  • Conspicuous consumption is often done to show a specific social status or class.
  • While this type of consumption is often associated with wealthy people, anyone from any economic class may be a conspicuous consumer.

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Understanding Conspicuous Consumption

The term was coined by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1889 book, The Theory of the Leisure Class. This type of consumption was considered a product of the developing middle class during the 19th and 20th centuries. This group had a more significant percentage of disposable income to spend on goods and services that were generally not considered to be necessary.

The concept of consumerism stems from conspicuous consumption.

Examples of Conspicuous Consumption and Product Choice

Conspicuous consumption is exemplified by purchasing goods exclusively designed to serve as symbols of wealth, like luxury-brand labels on clothing, high-tech tools and toys, and vehicles.

Smartphones and Other Tech

For example, while there are many types of high-end smartphones on the market from major manufacturers, specialty smartphones created strictly as luxury items have also been produced.

All smartphones effectively offer the same core communications features, with software and apps installed on them, providing much functionality. However, designer smartphones are available from such luxury brands as Bentley and Lamborghini. The hardware within the phones will almost always be the best available, but what often sets these smartphones apart are the exterior casings, which may be made from leather, titanium, or even granite. The infamous Black Diamond iPhone, priced at $15 million, was just a top-of-the-line iPhone 5 encased in gold, encrusted with gems, and included a black diamond.

Supercars

Similar might be said regarding the limited edition, high-performance supercars designed for speed and visual appeal but have little practical use. Such vehicles, from makers such as McLaren Automotive and Bugatti Automobiles, are produced in small batches and easily cost more than $1 million each.

The top speeds of supercars typically cannot be safely or legally achieved on most roads. Ownership of these vehicles can be an expression of conspicuous consumption because the full capabilities of supercars can rarely be experienced—even by the owner.

Special Considerations

It might be argued that making such a purchase comes with some assurance that the user will have the best available device in their possession. However, far less expensive versions of the same device are also on the market. Procuring such products primarily aims to drive a conversation around its acquisition and the fact that the owner could afford to make such an extravagant purchase.

What is conspicuous consumption?

What is Conspicuous Consumption? Conspicuous consumption is the act of displaying ostentatious wealth to gain status and reputation in society. The theory was first discussed by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his book, “The Theory of the Leisure Class,” in 1899.

How did Thorstein Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption develop?

The development of Thorstein Veblen 's sociology of conspicuous consumption produced the term invidious consumption, the ostentatious consumption of goods that is meant to provoke the envy of other people; and the term conspicuous compassion, the deliberate use of charitable donations of money in order to enhance...

What is consumerism theory in sociology?

Consumerism theory. Each variant interpretation and complementary explanation is derived from Thorstein Veblen's original sociologic proposition in The Theory of the Leisure Class: that conspicuous consumption is a psychological end in itself, from which the practitioner (man, woman, family) derived the honour of superior social status .

Who coined the term'conspicuous consumption'?

BREAKING DOWN 'Conspicuous Consumption'. The term was coined by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1889 book, "The Theory of the Leisure Class.". This type of consumption was considered to be a product of the developing middle class during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Which situation best exemplifies the concept of conspicuous consumption?

Which situation best exemplifies the concept of conspicuous consumption? Eugenio buys an expensive watch to impress others. Suppose manufacturers were banned from burning fossil fuels and people were required to only use electric cars. This would be an example of inverted quarantine.

Which sociological perspective also called theory focuses on the inequalities that contribute social differences and perpetuates differences in power?

Learning Objectives.

Which sociologist is responsible for the power elite theoretical perspective quizlet?

the power elite (A conflict theorist, Mills argued that this small group of powerful individuals exerted a disproportionate political influence over society.)

What type of research allows us to answer questions and improve our understanding of society?

You have a new perspective on human behaviour and a list of questions that you want answered. That is the purpose of sociological research—to investigate and provide insights into how human societies function.