Shel and Fran Are Neighbors

question 70

Multiple Choice

Shel and Fran are neighbors. They work at the same firm and hold the same title. Shel finds that when Fran's consumption rises, Shel feels worse off. Fran feels the same way about Shel's consumption. Fran has bought a new Jaguar (a luxury car) , and shortly thereafter, Shel bought a new Mercedes (also a luxury car) . Shel and Fran seem to be:

• A)making independent rational consumption decisions.
• B)unaware of the other's actions.
• C)involved in a positional arms race.
• D)imposing external benefits on each other.

---

Definitions:

Children

Young human beings who are not yet fully grown, often considered to be from birth to the teenage years.

Role Strain

A sociological concept referring to the stress or tension experienced by an individual when facing competing demands or expectations within the same role.

Limited Resources

Economic or physical elements that are in finite supply, leading to competition for their access and use.

Symbolic Interactionists

Scholars in the field of sociology who focus on studying how individuals create and interpret symbols within society, shaping their social interactions and meanings.