Paul Is an Analyst at an Investment Bank

question 42

Multiple Choice

Paul is an analyst at an investment bank. He notices that many of the senior executives at his office wear Rolex watches, so he decides to save up and buy a Rolex so that he will appear to be more like those executives. Paul's comparison of his own material possessions with those owned by others to determine his relative social standing is an example of ________.

• A) Social Comparison Theory
• B) affluent consumption
• C) downward comparison
• D) social stratification
• E) antisocial comparison

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Definitions:

Different Degrees

Variations or levels of intensity, severity, or magnitude in a given context.

Prestige

Social honor or respect seen as worth securing, often associated with a particular position or status within society.

Social Processes

The patterns of growth and change in a society over time, which influence and are influenced by human behavior.

Functions

The role or activity that something is expected to perform within a particular context.