The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class
Today value is largely mimetically driven rather than attached to fixed, stable points (like college degrees). This has created opportunities for anyone who can stand out from the crowd. This has positive and negative consequences.
Luke Burgis • Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
Most clubs make the bulk of their profits from smaller and more reliable table bills, the $1,500 to $3,000 sums spent by groups of affluent tourists and businessmen—your run-of-the-mill banker, tech developer, or other upper-class professional with a disposable income. While on the lower end of importance compared to whales and celebrities, they ar
... See moreAshley Mears • Very Important People: Status and Beauty in the Global Party Circuit
8. The Big Stretch. Rising incomes among a small group of Americans led to that group breaking away in lifestyle. They bought bigger homes, nicer cars, went to expensive schools, and took fancy vacations.