Statussymbol

As a status symbol, an object is called, which brings the social status or social status of its owner or carrier expressed or intended to express. The symbolism was illiterate in time where it was made ​​by pictogram or Hierogramme attention to a carrier status. A status icon is inversely indicative of the social status of a person. It can check the status with regard to social values ​​(income, prestige, education, awareness, etc.) as well as go to the membership of a social group.

A status symbol, for example, a title, a badge, a commodity or a brand to be, but with influential also a behavior or the partnership, prestigious or powerful people, etc. Serves the brand of a product as a status symbol, the product is usually markenintransparent, ie the mark is clearly visible on the product, so that the status symbol is detected.

In the original meaning can be a status symbol only be acquired if its owner has the appropriate status already, such as a monarch. A doctorate is a status symbol of an academic career or the recognizable membership in an exclusive golf club that can only be acquired through advocacy.

In addition, however objects to status symbols (for example, orb, scepter and ermine Crown ) whose possession have the status as a condition and show the that the person holding the symbolized status. For the observer, objects may also be the indicator of the status of people who have not bought from the support with this intention and / or worn.

Erroneous Examples of status symbols: Who drives an expensive car, wants to show a high probability that he has enough income and / or assets to be able to afford it, or at least to be sufficiently creditworthy. Who has many scientific books, is probably well read and has a higher education. Who wears a customary in a particular milieu clothing style, belongs with high probability in this milieu.

Colloquially " status symbol ", however, almost synonymously used incorrectly with " prestige project ". However, these are objects of cultural materials in a modern society that bring a high social standing within the Company or Group with respect to the expression that is associated with ( perceived or real ) high standing in the reference group. However, there are icons for a low social status (example: rough manners as an indicator of poor education. ) And there are icons for the status of belonging to a particular group that you can not with "top" or can declare the "bottom" ( example Mohican as an indicator of belonging to the punk scene ). Status symbols can be used to give themselves the appearance of a higher or lower status.