what are considered status symbols in our society?

Question

what are considered status symbols in our society. What items are considered status symbols for young adults compared to middle aged adults and what these status symbols represent.

Answer 1

Generally speaking, young American middle class adults - brand name clothes and shoes equal status, brand name vintage clothing, where you live and what you drive. Symbols represent the incrowd and money.
Middle aged Americans middle class (boomers) are not so much into status they are more comfortable with who they are and gravitate more toward people of the similar interests and intelligence. However, educated parents of boomers are heavily into status based on what college/university a person went to, their profession, who they know, where they lived. These sybols represent class. To these people having millions of dollars does not necessarily mean status( class). These are my observations.

Answer 2

Although the fads come and go, two items have remained as the ultimate symbols of status in almost every society and culture. Those are, of course, Wealth and Power.

Isn't it sad such things are defined such as "Status Symbols?" But then, maybe not. Perhaps it's a survival thing? Perhaps it's the competitiveness of human nature to want to be "Top Dog" and be better than the rest of the heap? We all want to have a better life, and so everyone struggles to be the best and have the best. And some do it at any cost with no regard for themselves or others.

Answer 3

I do agree with Dr. Schmoo, though I guess you're looking for specific items?

Some people opt the extra money for a high-class purebred dog rather than a mutt.

Where ordinary clothes will do fine, some people opt the extra money to have a logo on their sweatshirt or whatever. This is particularly true for young adults.

Anything that is "limited edition" is exactly the same as the regular edition, but costs more, so it is a status symbol.

All wristwatches keep acceptably accurate time; in fact, the cheaper ones may be better, but alas, there is virtually no limit to the price of a wristwatch.

Even non-material things, like technical jargon, can be used to assert one's status.

And don't forget about *Bling* (yes, diamonds are just rocks and have no practical importance besides asserting one's status)

Answer 4

Around this affluent shallow community here it seems that anything which is big and stupid and shoddy and wastes a lot of energy is a status symbol. THis is true if it is a house, a car, a boat or a wife.

Answer 5

Ownin' a good lookin' woman I 'spose.

Answer 6

The best things in life are not things. (Why such a hard question?)