An exploration of status and conspicuous consumption in Lebanon -

Abstract

In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 Lebanese women between the ages of 30 and 50 on the topics of social status and consumption. Thematic analysis showed that the respondents with lower cultural capital (a metric based on upbringing, education, and occupation) believe that society judges social status based almost exclusively on material wealth. Respondents with higher cultural capital believe that society judges social status based on factors beyond solely material wealth such as education, culture and behavior. New emerging themes in this research include ease and method of acquisition of status objects, knowledge of foreign languages, hiring domestic helpers, health orientation, children’s activities, personal grooming, being a reference to others in the community, and perceived humility. The most status-expressive consumption categories were found to be cars, homes and furniture, clothing, personal appearance, and travel. This study contributes to the literature on status consumption and cultural capital, while also providing insight into social consumer mindsets in Lebanon.