Saved by Danielle Vermeer
The new, subtle ways the rich signal their wealth
“Nouveau riche” industrialists began to buy their way into high society, and existing aristocratic elites, battling economic upheaval, were unable to guard against this pecuniary emulation.
american sociological review • Just a moment...
“The modern alternative to being luxurious is spending extra money to broadcast that you are a pro-social, pro-environmental individual.”
Chris Goward • You Should Test That: Conversion Optimization for More Leads, Sales and Profit or The Art and Science of Optimized Marketing
While their symbolic position sometimes manifests itself through material goods, mostly they reveal their class position through cultural signifiers that convey their acquisition of knowledge and value system—dinner
Elizabeth Currid-Halkett • The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class
Signals sometimes have little or nothing to do with the reality of what the signal is supposed to communicate. In The Millionaire Next Door, Thomas Stanley and William Danko describe the lives and habits of people who have a net worth of over $1 million. More often than not, they live in modest houses, drive used cars, and buy inexpensive clothing.
... See moreJosh Kaufman • The Personal MBA: A World-Class Business Education in a Single Volume
Whereas today, while that aspect of it might still be present, status is more about showing off your creativity and your cleverness, your eye and your discernment.
Debbie Millman • Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits
The 1% go to different doctors, eat at different restaurants, shop at different stores. Wealth used to be a better seat. Now it’s an upgrade to a better life.