Question 1

With respect to codes that are used by separate social classes, middle and upper classes tend to use restricted codes.

Accepted Answer

Restricted codes are typically associated with working-class speech, while middle and upper classes tend to use elaborated codes, which are more explicit and detailed.

Question 2

Conspicuous waste is the opposite of conspicuous consumption because one is aimed at showing how important a person's wealth is, and the other is aimed at showing how unimportant his or her wealth is.

Accepted Answer

Conspicuous waste is still aimed at showcasing wealth, but in a negative way by intentionally wasting or destroying valuable items to demonstrate that the person has enough money to not care about the cost.

Question 3

Social capital refers to an individual's knowledge of the "right" behavior used in the realm of the upper class.

Accepted Answer

Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that individuals build over time, which can provide social and economic benefits. It is not just about knowing the "right" behavior of the upper class, but also about having connections and resources that can help individuals achieve their goals.

Question 4

Eddie just bought a vintage Prowler. He can hardly wait to have the guys at the office drool when they see him drive up in this extremely expensive purple "hot rod." Eddie's reason for the purchase falls into the category described by Thorstein Veblen as invidious distinction.

Accepted Answer

Eddie's purchase of the vintage Prowler is to signal his wealth and social status to others, which aligns with Veblen's concept of invidious distinction.

Question 5

A co-branding strategy was being utilized when the Taco Bell Chihuahua showed up in a commercial for Geico insurance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A co-branding strategy was being utilized when...

Question 6

Explain how the relationship between England's class structure and consumption has recently begun to change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how the relationship between England's class...

Question 7

The average American's standard of living continues to improve. This shift in income has been linked to two key factors. What are these factors? Provide explanatory comments on each factor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The average American's standard of living continues...

Question 8

Rachel doesn't work, has a rich and successful husband, and loves to wear high-heeled shoes, tight clothes, and flamboyant hairstyles. According to Veblen's ideas, Rachel's role is decorative.

Accepted Answer

Veblen believed that in affluent societies, wealthy women were often expected to fulfill a decorative role, by dressing extravagantly and displaying the wealth and status of their husbands. Rachel fits this description as she does not work, has a rich husband, and enjoys wearing flamboyant clothing and hairstyles.

Question 9

The flamboyant consumption of the nouveau riche is an example of symbolic self-completion.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic self-completion theory suggests that individuals who feel incomplete or uncertain about their identity will engage in behaviors or activities that symbolically complete their sense of self. The flamboyant consumption of the nouveau riche, where they display their wealth through extravagant purchases, can be seen as a way of symbolically completing their identity as wealthy and successful individuals.

Question 10

The general method for elevating one's social status is to increase the use of ascribed status tools.

Accepted Answer

Elevating one's social status typically involves increasing the use of achieved status tools, such as education, professional success, or wealth, rather than relying on ascribed characteristics like race or gender.

Question 11

Tian Zhao's parents were peasants from central China. Tian got a degree in electronics from a university and now works for a medium-sized technology firm. Tian recently purchased a Canon camera and a Dell computer, and he wears Nike running shoes. He shares an apartment with a co-worker and hopes to buy a house in five years. Tian is a member of the mass class.

Accepted Answer

Tian Zhao's education, occupation, purchasing habits, and living situation all indicate he is a member of the mass class, which is characterized by moderate income and consumption levels.

Question 12

Using the product-specific profile form of psychographic studies, a researcher would look for items that differentiate between users and nonusers of a product.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using the product-specific profile form of psychographic...

Question 13

Describe the concepts of social stratification and compare and contrast achieved and ascribed status.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the concepts of social stratification and...

Question 14

Explain the concept of social mobility and its various forms.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concept of social mobility and...

Question 15

Lifestyle is a statement about who one is in society and who one is not.

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle reflects one's identity, values, and beliefs, and it distinguishes one from others in society.

Question 16

A contemporary view of the American social class structure is presented in the text. Identify each of the major categories and supply a brief comment that characterizes each one.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A contemporary view of the American social...

Question 17

Characterize how Japanese social class structure relates to the goods and services purchased by Japanese consumers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Characterize how Japanese social class structure relates...

Question 18

Many 20-somethings have rebelled against their more affluent parents by mocking wealth, wearing shredded jeans, and driving boxy cars. These are examples of what is called a modern potlatch.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many 20-somethings have rebelled against their more...

Question 19

What are the two major components of social class? Explain and comment on each component (such as which is more important).

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the two major components of...

Question 20

A biography of a famous American woman indicated that she never married the man she loved the most because his family status and income didn't meet her goals. This is evidence of the strength of hierogamy in some people's lives.

Accepted Answer

Hierogamy refers to the practice of marrying someone who has a similar social, economic, and educational background. The fact that the woman in the biography did not marry the man she loved the most because of his family status and income suggests that she had strong hierogamous preferences.

Quiz 11: Consumer Identity 2: Social Class and Lifestyles