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A status symbol is
something that indicates the social status of its owner. Usually a status
symbol is a mark of high status.
Status symbols change rapidly along with technological and economic change in a society and are often a
good indicator of such changes. For instance, before the invention of the printing press, owning a large number of books would be considered a
status symbol. After books began to become more widespread, owning books was somewhat less of a status symbol.
Status symbols can also indicate the cultural values of a society. In a materialistic or
commercial society, wealth and
symbols of wealth are often status symbols. In a society valuing bravery or honor, a battle scar would be more of a status symbol.
In modern-day Western
society, some posessions that could be labeled as status symbols include a large,
expensive house, expensive car, or fine clothes.
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