> I understand that concept somewhat, however, I think that most of the people in western cultures are moving past this.
I agree with your comment, and I believe that these status symbols —fake or not— make people unhappy.
However, I’ll like to point out a few things.
When you say “western cultures”, you mean the US and Europe; Latin America is also part of the western culture but the situation is different. In the US the iPhone is not a status symbol, because even with a low wage you’ll be able to easily get one with a cellphone contract.
But, I don’t think that first world people is “moving past” status symbols, they have others:
Food, what you eat tells a lot about your status — you can see that all the time in the Bay Area.
College, where you got your degree is another symbol of status.
Hobbies, the more expensive —or extravagant— the better.
I agree with your comment, and I believe that these status symbols —fake or not— make people unhappy.
However, I’ll like to point out a few things.
When you say “western cultures”, you mean the US and Europe; Latin America is also part of the western culture but the situation is different. In the US the iPhone is not a status symbol, because even with a low wage you’ll be able to easily get one with a cellphone contract.
But, I don’t think that first world people is “moving past” status symbols, they have others: Food, what you eat tells a lot about your status — you can see that all the time in the Bay Area. College, where you got your degree is another symbol of status. Hobbies, the more expensive —or extravagant— the better.