Question 1

The term _____ refers to the natural grouping of objects that reflect our culture.
A) identity schemas
B) motivational groups
C) cultural categories
D) abstract schemas
E) natural selections

Accepted Answer

Cultural categories refer to the natural grouping of objects that reflect our culture. This includes things like traditional clothing, food, music, and customs that are unique to a particular culture. Identity schemas and abstract schemas refer to more individualized or abstract concepts, while motivational groups and natural selections do not accurately describe this particular term.

Question 2

Righteous Fury, a movie released in the US, has been well-received by audiences. Its story has elements of freedom, independence, and competition. Viewers regard such movies as authentic. This scenario is an example of the:
A) changes in cultural perceptions with time.
B) moviegoers' enthusiasm.
C) attitude shift of Americans.
D) fit between cultural principles and offerings.
E) divide between the rich and poor sections of society.

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes how the movie is well-received by audiences because it aligns with cultural principles like freedom, independence, and competition. This demonstrates a fit between cultural principles and offerings.

Question 3

In the context of symbolic consumer behavior, which of the following statements is true of cultural principles?​
A) ​Marketers make products in ways that are inconsistent with cultural principles.
B) ​Cultural principles are explicitly stated in cultural categories.
C) ​Consumers use products in ways that are inconsistent with cultural principles.
D) ​Cultural principles give meaning to products.
E) Cultural principles stay constant with time.

Accepted Answer

Cultural principles give meaning to products by defining their symbolic significance and the cultural values associated with them. Marketers often leverage cultural principles in their product design and marketing efforts to tap into consumers' desires and aspirations. However, sometimes they may deviate from cultural principles to create new cultural meanings or to challenge existing cultural norms. Similarly, consumers may use products in ways that challenge or subvert cultural principles, depending on their personal goals and values. Cultural principles are not explicitly stated in cultural categories but are more like shared, implicit understandings among members of a culture. They are also not static but can change over time as societies evolve and adapt to new ideas and influences.

Question 4

Barbara was born and raised in South Dakota, but at age 33, she has moved to Hawaii. In order to adapt to the culture of a popular tourist beach town, she experiments with brightly colored, loose-fitting clothing and new hairstyles. In the context of role acquisition phases, which of the following phases is Barbara experiencing?
A) The conventional phase
B) The incorporation phase
C) The separation phase
D) The conception phase
E) The transition phase

Accepted Answer

Barbara is experiencing the transition phase, which is when an individual is exposed to a new culture and begins to experiment with new behaviors, attitudes, and values. This phase is characterized by a state of confusion and uncertainty as the individual tries to figure out their new role in the unfamiliar culture. Barbara's experimentation with new clothing and hairstyles suggests that she is in the transition phase, as she is adapting to the norms and expectations of her new environment.

Question 5

Emblematic function is defined as:
A) the use of products to symbolize membership in social groups.
B) participation in common social activities.
C) the formulation of unique signs and symbols for nations and communities.
D) the quality and reliability of a product or service.
E) the expression of the political beliefs of the consumer.

Accepted Answer

Emblematic function refers to the use of products to symbolize membership in social groups. This means that certain products or brands are associated with certain social groups or communities, and by consuming or displaying these products, individuals seek to identify with and show allegiance to these groups.

Question 6

Nina is a celebrity lifestyle coach. She advises her clients on topics such as fashion, fitness, and food. She is very famous and thousands of people follow her on social media. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, Nina is a(n) _____.
A) networking expert
B) opinion leader
C) critical mediator
D) cultural pioneer
E) social ombudsperson

Accepted Answer

Nina is an opinion leader because she has a large following on social media and advises her clients on lifestyle topics. As a celebrity lifestyle coach, her opinions and recommendations could influence the choices and behaviors of her followers.

Question 7

Women belonging to the wealthy sections of society take pride in owning and flaunting expensive diamond jewelry. In this example, expensive diamond jewelry is a:
A) secondary emblem.
B) divestment ritual.
C) social class emblem.
D) possession ritual.
E) geographic emblem.

Accepted Answer

Expensive diamond jewelry serves as a social class emblem, indicating the wealth and status of the woman who owns and flaunts it.

Question 8

In Swedish weddings, the bride receives a gold coin from her father and a silver one from her mother as parting gifts. This tradition is believed to ensure prosperity for the newly-wed couple throughout their lives. Which of the following symbolic consumer behaviors does this example illustrate?
A) Marital transition
B) Symbol development
C) Emblematic function
D) Symbol removal
E) Grooming ritual

Accepted Answer

Marital transition refers to the change in status from single to married, and the gold and silver coins symbolize this transition.

Question 9

An organization in India promotes the cause of education for underprivileged children. The people who support this organization wear a unique purple badge to increase awareness about their social cause. In this scenario, the purple badge is an example of a _____.
A) reference group emblem
B) grooming ritual
C) geographical emblem
D) gender emblem
E) divestment ritual

Accepted Answer

The purple badge in this scenario functions as a reference group emblem, as it is a symbol worn by people who share a common interest or goal (i.e., promoting education for underprivileged children).

Question 10

Outfits of a certain design that are made of blue silk fabric symbolize identification with the country of Kailand. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, this is an example of _____.
A) a geographic emblem
B) symbol development
C) professional status
D) a gender emblem
E) educational status

Accepted Answer

The blue silk outfits symbolize identification with the country of Kailand, making it a geographic emblem.

Question 11

Melissa is in the process of divorcing her husband Oliver. She gives away her engagement and wedding rings because she wishes to rid herself of memories associated with the relationship. Which of the following role acquisition phases is Melissa in?
A) The preconception phase
B) The incorporation phase
C) The transition phase
D) The separation phase
E) The conventional phase

Accepted Answer

Melissa is in the separation phase, which involves separating oneself from a previous role or relationship. Giving away her engagement and wedding rings is a symbolic gesture meant to help her move on from her role as Oliver's wife. The other phases (preconception, incorporation, transition, and conventional) do not fit with this specific example.

Question 12

Specific people who shape, refine, or reshape cultural principles and the products and attributes they are linked to are known as _____.
A) social mediators
B) networking agents
C) ethnic ombudsmen
D) role acquirers
E) opinion leaders

Accepted Answer

The term "opinion leaders" refers to individuals who have significant influence in shaping or reshaping cultural principles and the products or attributes they are associated with. These individuals are trusted and respected by their peers and have a strong presence in their social networks, making them effective in spreading new ideas or trends. Social mediators, networking agents, ethnic ombudsmen, and role acquirers may also play a role in cultural mediation, but the term "opinion leaders" specifically pertains to influential individuals who shape cultural norms.

Question 13

Rohawk, a laptop bag manufacturer, has created a new line of laptop bags with a feminine design. The target market for this new product is urban working women. In order to market it effectively to the targeted segment, the advertisements for Rohawk women's laptop bags show smart and successful young women professionals using these bags. This scenario is an example of _____.
A) the role acquisition function
B) symbol development
C) opinion leadership
D) ethnocentric development
E) role transition

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of symbol development, where the product is designed and marketed with a particular meaning or association in mind, in this case, femininity and professionalism. The advertisements of smart and successful young women professionals using these bags suggest that the product is a symbol of success and style for the urban working women.

Question 14

In the context of role acquisition, feedback from others that tells us whether we are fulfilling a role correctly is known as _____.
A) reflexive evaluation
B) ethnic identification
C) ​symbol communication
D) symbol reinforcement
E) marketing implication

Accepted Answer

Reflexive evaluation refers to the process of receiving feedback from others about how well we are performing or fulfilling a particular role. This feedback helps individuals understand if they are meeting the expectations associated with their roles.

Question 15

Immigrants from Brittolia the world over identify with red rice as a symbol of their culture and identity. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, this is an example of _____.
A) role acquisition
B) an ethnic emblem
C) symbol development
D) a gender emblem
E) social distribution

Accepted Answer

Red rice serves as an ethnic emblem for immigrants from Brittolia, representing their culture and identity. This demonstrates how symbols can hold significant meaning and importance for cultural groups, serving as a way to represent and express their unique identity.

Question 16

An Indonesian family that has immigrated into the U.S. tries to adopt the American culture by participating in festivals such as Easter and Halloween. The family also begins to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in their own home. Which of the following symbolic consumer behaviors does this scenario illustrate?
A) Reflexive evaluation
B) Symbol development
C) Marital transition
D) Symbol communication
E) Cultural transition

Accepted Answer

The scenario is an example of cultural transition, as the family is adapting and integrating into a new culture by participating in its traditions and celebrations.

Question 17

David and Melanie are expecting their first baby. They decorate a nursery and prepare themselves by buying toys and baby essentials. Which of the following symbolic consumer behaviors is illustrated in this scenario?
A) Symbol development
B) Brand image association
C) Social role reversal
D) Role transition ritual
E) Divestment ritual

Accepted Answer

The scenario illustrates role transition ritual, which refers to when consumers carry out specific consumer behaviors to mark important transitions in their lives, such as becoming a parent for the first time. In this case, David and Melanie are preparing for the arrival of their first baby, which signifies a significant change in their roles and responsibilities, and they are engaging in consumer behaviors such as decorating a nursery and buying baby essentials to mark this transition. The other answer choices are not as relevant to the scenario described.

Question 18

Why do nearly 20 percent of U.S. public schools require students to wear uniforms?
A) To encourage diversity among students
B) To study the effects of mandatory rules
C) To express ethnic solidarity with different social groups
D) To reshape cultural principles regarding education
E) To remove social class emblems among students

Accepted Answer

Uniforms are often implemented in schools to minimize visible socioeconomic differences among students, promoting a more egalitarian and focused educational environment. This helps reduce bullying and social tensions related to clothing and social class indicators.

Question 19

Ajeet has graduated from law school and is about to start formal practice as a lawyer. He wears the black robes that identify him as a lawyer and introduces himself as a lawyer. Which of the following phases of role acquisition does Ajeet fit into?
A) The incorporation phase
B) The conventional phase
C) The separation phase
D) The conception phase
E) The transition phase

Accepted Answer

The incorporation phase is when an individual has fully assumed a new role, in this case, Ajeet has graduated from law school and is about to start practicing as a lawyer, indicating he has fully incorporated into his new role as a lawyer.

Question 20

Gayatri wears business suits to work and casuals most of the other times. However, she wears a sari when she wants to appear especially feminine and traditional. In this example, the sari is a(n) _____.
A) rite of passage
B) ethnic emblem
C) possession ritual
D) achievement emblem
E) divestment ritual

Accepted Answer

The sari is being used as an ethnic emblem to express Gayatri's feminine and traditional side.

Quiz 16: Symbolic Consumer Behavior

The term _____ refers to the natural grouping of objects that reflect our culture.

Righteous Fury, a movie released in the US, has been well-received by audiences. Its story has elements of freedom, independence, and competition. Viewers regard such movies as authentic. This scenario is an example of the:

In the context of symbolic consumer behavior, which of the following statements is true of cultural principles?​

Emblematic function is defined as:

Nina is a celebrity lifestyle coach. She advises her clients on topics such as fashion, fitness, and food. She is very famous and thousands of people follow her on social media. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, Nina is a(n) _____.

Women belonging to the wealthy sections of society take pride in owning and flaunting expensive diamond jewelry. In this example, expensive diamond jewelry is a:

In Swedish weddings, the bride receives a gold coin from her father and a silver one from her mother as parting gifts. This tradition is believed to ensure prosperity for the newly-wed couple throughout their lives. Which of the following symbolic consumer behaviors does this example illustrate?

An organization in India promotes the cause of education for underprivileged children. The people who support this organization wear a unique purple badge to increase awareness about their social cause. In this scenario, the purple badge is an example of a _____.

Outfits of a certain design that are made of blue silk fabric symbolize identification with the country of Kailand. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, this is an example of _____.

Melissa is in the process of divorcing her husband Oliver. She gives away her engagement and wedding rings because she wishes to rid herself of memories associated with the relationship. Which of the following role acquisition phases is Melissa in?

Specific people who shape, refine, or reshape cultural principles and the products and attributes they are linked to are known as _____.

In the context of role acquisition, feedback from others that tells us whether we are fulfilling a role correctly is known as _____.

Immigrants from Brittolia the world over identify with red rice as a symbol of their culture and identity. In the context of sources and functions of symbolic meaning, this is an example of _____.

David and Melanie are expecting their first baby. They decorate a nursery and prepare themselves by buying toys and baby essentials. Which of the following symbolic consumer behaviors is illustrated in this scenario?

Why do nearly 20 percent of U.S. public schools require students to wear uniforms?

Ajeet has graduated from law school and is about to start formal practice as a lawyer. He wears the black robes that identify him as a lawyer and introduces himself as a lawyer. Which of the following phases of role acquisition does Ajeet fit into?

Gayatri wears business suits to work and casuals most of the other times. However, she wears a sari when she wants to appear especially feminine and traditional. In this example, the sari is a(n) _____.

In the context of symbolic consumer behavior, which of the following statements is true of cultural principles?