A Virtual Version of Conspicuous Consumption

Doing little to help us win games, our video game shopping for outfits and dance moves creates some conspicuous consumption.

Plastic Straw Ban Surprises

With plastic straw bans and request-a-straw rules, people and places are adjusting with new kinds of straws and some surprising innovations.

The Inconspicuous Consumption That Shouts Your Wealth

The average American has access to the types of consumer goods that only the wealthy used to buy. We can purchase a pricey iPhone or watch Netflix on a massive home TV screen. We eat steak, enjoy ahi tuna, and…

How Your Whisky Can Signal Your Wealth

When one bottle of single malt Macallan whisky sells for more than $1 million, we can ask if it was superior taste or some other reason.

How Your Fish Can Signal Your Wealth

By purchasing an adult fish for thousands of dollars, the buyers of an Asian arowana were engaging in conspicuous consumption.

Why We Buy Our iPhones

With its newest and priciest product launch, Apple has made iPhone conspicuous consumption the reason to buy their phone.

Surprising Culinary Status Symbols

Including celery and pineapples, past and present culinary status symbols are examples of foods preferred by an elite group.

Throwback Thursday: Looking Back at the Tiffany Brand

Shifting from Audrey Hepburn elegance to Lady Gaga, the Tiffany brand has a new face to market its luxury image and its Veblen goods.

The First Aspirational Shopper

As the early 20th century interior decorator who rejected Victorian design, Elsie de Wolfe also created the first group of aspirational shoppers.

Econlife Quiz: The Economics of U.S. Presidential Inaugurations

One week ago, America witnessed the Inauguration of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. From million dollar donors to glitzy ball gowns, no doubt a U.S. Presidential Inauguration has become both a historic and spectacular occasion. The…