what is the relationship between ideological commitment and status seeking? is an ideology a particular status game you've opted into? do people select the highest status ideology they can get away with? are they just two independent drivers of social behavior?
... See morePrestige is our most marvelous craving. It's a bribe that induces us into being useful, benefiting the interests of the tribe. It's enabled us to master the art of co-operative living. We pursue goals, and tackle problems, as members of collaborative groups because we're programmed to care deeply about what our co-players think of us: we revel in t
As we learned earlier, normal status requires following certain conventions. This means imitating our peers, while distinguishing ourselves from the behaviors of lower-status groups and rivals. Meanwhile, achieving higher status requires distinguishing ourselves from our current status tier and imitating the practices of superiors. The end result i
... See moreW. David Marx • Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change
Status games require active belief…We seek rules and symbols by which to play a status game. When we find one that’s suitable and feels right, we’re vulnerable to absorbing its story, no matter how berserk.
The Status Game