Social Status Seeking Behavior

A Social Status Seeking Behavior is a social behavior that involves individuals striving to improve their social status.

• AKA: External Validation Pursuit.
• Context:
  • It can be a Prestige-based Status Seeking Behavior, where individuals engage in activities or pursue achievements that are highly valued and respected in society
  • It can be a Virtue-based Status Seeking Behavior, where the focus is on actions and qualities that are morally esteemed or culturally revered.
  • It can be a Dominance-based Status Seeking Behavior, where individuals assert their power, control, or superiority over others.
  • It can (often) manifests through the acquisition of material possessions, achievements, or other symbols of higher social status.
  • It can be (often) be motivated by a desire to gain Social Recognition, Social Respect, or Social Admiration.
  • It can lead to Competitive Behaviors, where individuals strive to outperform others in certain domains.
  • It can influence Economic Decisions, such as spending and saving.
  • It can range from being a Positive Outcome Social Status Seeking Behavior to being a Negative Outcome Social Status Seeking Behavior.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Prestige-based Status Seeking Behavior, such as:
    • Seeking Academic Recognitions, which manifests prestige through displaying diplomas in prominent locations, frequently discussing academic achievements, or being sought after for expert opinions.
    • Seeking Sport Accomplishments, which manifests prestige through displaying trophies, wearing medals, or being featured in sports media for exceptional athletic skills.
    • Seeking Professional Milestones, which manifests prestige by holding high-ranking job titles, being invited to speak at industry events, or being featured in business publications.
    • Seeking Artwork Renown, which manifests prestige through public recognition at art shows, high sales prices for artwork, or being reviewed favorably in art circles and media.
    • Seeking Material Possessions manifests prestige through owning visibly expensive and exclusive items commonly recognized as symbols of luxury and success.
    • Seeking Exclusive Travel, which manifests prestige by sharing experiences of unique or exotic destinations on social media, or having a lifestyle that allows frequent luxury travel.
    • …
  • Virtue-based Status Seeking Behavior, such as:
    • Volunteering for Community Service Projects to demonstrate social responsibility and compassion.
    • Donating to Charitable Organizations to be recognized for generosity and philanthropy.
    • Adhering to Group Norms and Cultural Traditions to gain acceptance and respect within one's community.
    • …
  • Dominance-based Status Seeking Behavior, such as:
    • Engaging in Office Politics or Office Maneuvering to assert control and influence in the workplace.
    • Displaying Physical Prowess in sports or physical activities to demonstrate strength and superiority.
    • Using Aggressive Communication or Intimidation Tactics to dominate social or professional interactions.
    • …
  • …
• Counter-Example(s):
  • an Internal Validation Seeking Behavior.
  • Pleasure Seeking.
  • Purpose Seeking.
  • Altruistic Behavior.
  • Non Virtue-Seeking Humble Behavior (humility).
• See: Social Status, Conspicuous Consumption, Reputation Management, Social Hierarchy, Wealth, Online Communities, Social Influence.

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References

2021

• (Storr, 2021) ⇒ Will Storr. (2021). “The Status Game.” William Collins. ISBN:0008354634.
  • NOTE: It explores the role of status-seeking in human behavior, examining how the pursuit of social status drives human actions, shapes societies, and influences our human relationships and human well-being. It argues that our desire for status is a fundamental aspect of human nature, affecting everything from personal decisions to societal dynamics.

2004

• (Van Long & Shimomura, 2004) ⇒ N. Van Long, and K. Shimomura. (2004). “Relative Wealth, Status-Seeking, and Catching-Up." In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier.
  • NOTE: It discusses the impact of relative wealth and status-seeking on economic behavior, particularly in the absence of status-seeking.

2007

• (Lampel & Bhalla, 2007) ⇒ J. Lampel, and A. Bhalla. (2007). “The Role of Status Seeking in Online Communities: Giving the Gift of Experience." In: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, academic.oup.com.
  • NOTE: It explores the role of status-seeking in online communities, arguing that status-seeking is a social passion driving behavior.

1998

• (Ireland, 1998) ⇒ N.J. Ireland. (1998). “Status-Seeking, Income Taxation and Efficiency." In: Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier.
  • NOTE: It examines the effects of status-seeking on income taxation and economic efficiency, focusing on labor supply and competition.

2018

• (Wohlforth et al., 2018) ⇒ W.C. Wohlforth, B. De Carvalho, H. Leira, et al. (2018). “Moral Authority and Status in International Relations: Good States and the Social Dimension of Status Seeking." In: Review of International Studies, cambridge.org.
  • NOTE: It analyzes the concept of moral authority and status in International Relations, emphasizing the social dimension of status-seeking and its influence on global politics.

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