Goods of ostentation, often referred to as ostentatious goods, are products that are primarily purchased to signal wealth, status, or luxury rather than to satisfy a practical need. Examples include designer handbags, luxury cars, and high-end watches. These goods are characterized by their high price tags, which serve to distinguish the buyer from those who cannot afford such items.
The concept aligns with the idea of conspicuous consumption, coined by economist Thorstein Veblen. People often acquire ostentatious goods not just for personal enjoyment, but to display their economic prowess and social standing. The value of these goods goes beyond their functional utility; their significance lies in their ability to convey a message about the owner’s lifestyle and status.
Furthermore, in an economy where consumer choices reflect personal identity, ostentatious goods play a critical role in social stratification. The display of such items can lead to social validation, creating a cycle where individuals feel pressured to continually upgrade their possessions to maintain or elevate their social status.