2007-01-30 19:45:47 · 8 answers · asked by Questions 2 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
As a group on whole, sense of achievement and impowerment. Gives their lives meaning and satisfaction in some way, I suppose.
Of course, as individuals, there are several personal factors to consider in regard to modus operand is.
2007-01-31 08:32:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is always great to be liked and appreciated-noticed and seen no matter how healthy you are.It is always painful to be left out or behind. I believe if you have a a natural charm and likeability you probably will be popular socially with out the intention of trying to aquire that. I think some people who are not so confident in themselves or afraid to be alone, afraid of not being liked work to get social status.Perhaps they need social status and material things to get outside assurances that they are o.k. Corvette( fill in the blank: head of PTO ,Beautiful house I can't afford, Most accomplished kids, etc) = status and desirability=worth. Therefore if I am those thing/have those things I am worthy
2007-01-31 11:07:39 · answer #2 · answered by monkey 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To sort of expand upon some other answers...
People usually are not so aware of the social system around them in such terms to directly seek social status. This is becuase social status of course is a nebulous concept that is determined differently depending on where you are. Even if one has the best wardrobe in the Western World, people may not be very impressed in a tribal culture that does not attribute status to a certain brand of clothing.
As to why individuals participaate in behaviors to seek status within a given society, it is primarily because the best of scare resources and other perhaps non material benefits are distributed to people with high status. Statuses are determined on a somewhat hierarchical spectrum and those who have the most attributes which a group determines are of value will as a result have the highest status.
We do these things because most individuals have as a result of their socilalization within a given group, a desire to be well liked or to be seen as something (a lot of people would call this good...or influential or popular...just insert whatever term fits best) Because societies decide on, through a variety of processes, what behaviors or characteristics are of value, people are driven to achieve those things, because we are led to believe if we do...that positive things will come out of it. Most people wouldnt try to achieve high status within a group if they were not led to believe, whether or not they are aware of it, that positive reinforcement would come as a result.
2007-01-31 04:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by blindog23 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because everyone wants to be accepted in some way. To be rcognised. All animals have a social hierarchy, humans are the same, but now the importance is more to do with how much you have, rather than how respected you are.
I know some real drop kicks who hold a status in society because of thier big bank accounts
2007-01-31 03:57:18 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People strive for social status so they can be recognized. And many people strive for recognition than monetary gain.
2007-01-31 03:49:24 · answer #5 · answered by Agent319.007 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because they think thats where happiness is. its always somewhere youre not....And when they do have social status, they think happiness lies in having a simpler life...aaaaaaaahhh people are never statisfied, we always want more. The real question is why do people STRIVE? period.
2007-01-31 03:55:49 · answer #6 · answered by maniishma 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's the herding complex. People want to belong. Some people think being among the elite is reaching the top.
2007-01-31 06:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by Debra D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because that's human nature, we never satisfy of what we have now right? human loves money, popularity, power, coz that's the base of happiness for some people ^_^
2007-01-31 03:58:43 · answer #8 · answered by wEnNy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋