Please be sure to list your team members and your subject on

Overview

WE ARE DOING A TEAM PAPER DIRECTIONS ARE DOWN BELOW AS WELL AS INFORMATION GATHERED FOR ASSIGNMENT PLEASE USE THE INFORMATION GATHERED, WE ARE ALSO USING OUR PROFESSOR FEEDBACK FOR MAIN PAPER, PLEASE NO AI OR PLAGIARISM OUR MAIN TOPIC WAS ON Research Topic: Status Signaling: Explore the differences in consumer behaviors and Brand preferences among ascribed status (born/married into wealth) and achieved status (work/education) in social class systems. Do scholarly research and discuss these consumer behaviors - both parties are part of the upper classes, but purchase differently. Research information and terms such as invidious consumption, conspicuous consumption, status signaling (see chapter 12). Discuss consumer behavior of the “nouveau-riche”. Discuss the differences and illustrate with cases and actual brand product purchases that support these consumers behaviors that signal status. 

DIRECTIONS: Your outline also should include references in APA reference style, you will need at least  TWO peer-reviewed current references in your outline, and where they are used, so I can verify they are valid. Be sure to cite your references in your paper text.

Your outline should have most areas covered, remember, it is not a plan of what you will do (see note on primary research below), but a compilation of the research content and fact-finding you have done to date.

Therefore, most of your secondary research (library, web search, etc.) on the subject should be completed and summarized in bullets in the outline.

You must have your primary research hands on data completed by April 17 for this outline, but results can be in rough form for now, so I can comment on your research in advance of your final paper due.  Remember that everyone needs to be a part of the hands-on research and data gathering.

Main Sections:

Introduction/Overview of Topic

Background (secondary) Research and Literature Review

Primary Research: Research Plan and method description, data collection, results and outcomes summary

Summary and Conclusions to bridge together your background research and your primary research (Done at the end)

INFORMATION GATHER FOR ASSIGNMENT: 

Primary research is research you conduct yourself. It involves going directly to a source – usually customers and prospective customers in your target market – to ask questions and gather information. There are 4 kinds of primary research you can use:

interviews, surveys, focus groups and observations.

You need to decide on your plan this evening before the end of class. Plan includes:

1. What is your research question? What are you trying to find out? 

“How does the relationship between ascribed and achieved status in addition to invidious and conspicuous consuming practices influence consumers' brand choices and buying decisions particularly luxury goods in modern societies?”

The study could reveal status signaling encompassing an examination of how social networks, celebrities, digital influencers, cultural expectations, and individual upbrignings shape high-class consumers with either ascribed or achieved status brand choices and purchase decisions within the luxury sector. This investigation delves into the impact of social validation and aspirational lifestyles portrayed by influencers on consumption behaviors, highlighting the intricate interplay between status-related influences and consumer decision-making processes.

How will this relate to the findings from your secondary research?

The research connects with our secondary research in that individuals with high ascribed status tend to use luxury goods and food as status symbols to signify their social position and identity. Conversely, individuals with high achieved status might prioritize the exclusivity, quality, and craftsmanship of luxury items in their brand choices.

2. What primary research method will you use? (interviews, observation, survey etc.)

The primary research method that we will utilize is interviews

Is it feasible, relevant, and measurable?

• Our primary method will be an interview that provides relevant information about consumer behavior and their behaviors when purchasing specific brand products.
• Interviews are practical and easy to do, with the help of family, and friends, information is relevant and easy to obtain. 
• People we will interview: Evan Vanklavren, Jodi McAlpine
• Interview Questions
• How would you describe the importance of luxury goods in displaying or flaunting within your social circle?

1.Not at all Important

2.Slightly important

3.Neutral

4.Very important

5.Extremely important

Can you share examples of luxury items or brands that are commonly associated with your life?

From your perspective, do luxury goods serve as symbols of achievement and success?

Strongly Agree

• Agree

Neither Agree or Disagree

• Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Why do you think your appealing brands or products resonate with you?

Personality 

• Social standards

Do you feel a sense of validation or identity expression through luxury purchases?

Strongly Agree

• Agree
• Neither Agree or Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

What state of mind do you find yourself in when deciding to make a purchase decision on luxury goods?

Is there an influencer who motivates or encourages you to make a purchase decision?

• How important is the brand name or reputation when choosing a luxury product?

Not at all Important

Slightly important

Neutral

• Very important

Extremely important 

Do you believe that owning luxury items enhances your social status or image?

• Strongly Agree
• Agree
• Neither Agree or Disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly Disagree
• What role does quality play in your decision to buy luxury goods?

Not at all Important

Slightly important

Neutral

Very important

• Extremely important

How do you justify the higher cost of luxury items compared to similar non-luxury alternatives?

Have you noticed any changes in how people treat or interact with you when they see you displaying luxury items?

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always
• Have you ever faced criticism or judgment for openly showcasing your luxury possessions?
• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often

Always

In what situations or contexts do you feel most inclined to showcase your luxury items? Can you describe why those moments are significant to you?

oDo you believe purchasing and showcasing luxury goods is a form of self-expression or a way to communicate specific messages about your lifestyle or values?

• Have your reasons for buying luxury brands or products changed over time? If so, what factors have influenced this change?

Social Media

Social groups

Brands

• Other

Where we will conduct our data:

We will be collecting our data collection through in-person interviews at individual’s homes or meetings in a public place that is most convenient for them.

• Is everyone part of the Data Collection:
• Yes, everyone in the group will be participating in the data collection through interviews. Anthony Gallo, Juliana Lopez, Esmeralda Reyes Larios, Katherin Velasco, Brendan McAlpine
• How many samples?:
• We will collect data by interviewing 4 potential individuals with 2 coming from an ascribed status & 2 others that have an achieved status.
• Are there any ethical or legal considerations to using a primary method that must be taken into account?
• Our specific demographic age will range from consumers age of 18 to 28 years old. 
• 4. How will you manage the data results and analysis? (Graphs, pictures, description, etc.)
• We will manage our data results & analysis through graphs, tables, & descriptions.
• 5. Include schedule and timelines.
• Research Completed Due Date: 4/15/24 Monday by 11:59 pm

Research Outline Completed Due Date: Start on 4/15/24 & finalize 4/17/24 or 4/18/24

6. Outline Completion

What is missing & how we will complete it?: We are missing a few questions focusing more on individuals of an achieved status standpoint and we will be working together on brainstorming question ideas to complete this task. We are missing the completed outline which will be done through team meetings this week and the next including on our time while keeping in touch with updates.  

• When is our outside team meeting this week?: Team Meeting Scheduled for 4/11/24 

Who is missing tonight from our group & how we will update them: Esmerelda & Juliana and we have updated them through group chats in addition to our upcoming team meeting.

Professor Feedback : 

• My recommendation is to simplify your question: Stick with asking about ascribed vs achieved status (how they got their money) and WHAT THEY BUY and WHY they buy it? Conspicuous consumption is buying stuff to be seen, invidious is because you want to make someone jealous. You have too much going on here. You do not have "ascribed or achieved status brand choices" rather ascribed or achieved is a demographic---it is a characteristic of the buyer. Simply how did they get their money, Were they born into or married into it? (Ascribed) or did they earn it through achievement (Achieved)? It's clearly one or the other. 
• You could ask them if they bought anything to signal to others, (that is conspicuous consumption). I don't believe anyone will admit they bought things to make others jealous, but there has been a researched trend that NEW MONEY tends to status signal with high-end purchases as they are not yet comfortable with their new status. (but you need to research that) I think you have the achieved and ascribed mixed up in your research, please double check your sources for " "secondary research in that individuals with high ascribed status tend to use luxury goods and food as status symbols to signify their social position and identity. 
• Conversely, individuals with high achieved status might prioritize the exclusivity, quality, and craftsmanship of luxury items in their brand choices. You have too many research methods going on. Pick one. Also, you needed to have your questions finalized in your research plan and they are not. You have a lot of work to do before Friday! All research was preferred to be done wed April 17 so you can finish writing up your bullets for the outline on April 19. You can embellish with writing and graphs/tables in your final paper but no more research collection after Friday, April 19th.
• Zoom Meeting Possible Time: Wednesday 4/17 @8:00am / @12:30pm / @3:30pm 
• New Possible Questions For Interview ;

How They Got Their Wealth? 

Ascribed Status:

• Can you describe your family background and how it has influenced your financial situation?

How has your family's wealth or status impacted your opportunities for acquiring wealth?

Have there been any inheritances or financial support from family members that have contributed to your current financial standing?

• How do you perceive the role of inheritance or family wealth in shaping your financial trajectory?
• Achieved Status:
• What steps did you take to achieve your current financial status?
• Can you walk me through a summary of your career journey and how it has led to your current financial stature?
• Were there any significant milestones or achievements in your professional life that significantly impacted your financial situation?
• How did your education, skills, and experiences contribute to your ability to generate wealth?
• Have you encountered any obstacles or challenges along the way, and how did you overcome them to reach your financial goals?
• General Questions (for both):
• What role do you believe luck or external factors played in your financial success?
• How do you balance personal ambition with social responsibility in managing your wealth?

Can you share any specific strategies or principles you've followed to maintain and grow your wealth over time?

How do you define financial success, and have your definitions evolved over time?

• What advice would you give to individuals from diverse backgrounds who aspire to achieve financial success?

What They Buy & Why:

Ascribed Status:

Are there specific items or brands that you feel are particularly important for you to purchase? 

• If so, why do you believe they hold significance?

Have you noticed any patterns or trends in the types of products or brands that peaks your interest?

Are there any products or brands that you feel are especially important for you to purchase due to expectations

Have there been instances where you've consciously chosen to support brands or products that are not traditionally associated with your stature?

• Achieved Status:

Can you share some examples of products or brands that you tend to prefer in your purchasing decisions? 

What factors typically influence your choice of these specific products or brands?

• Are there any products or brands that you feel are especially important for you to purchase as a way of rewarding yourself for your achievements?
• Can you describe a recent purchase you made where the brand including its attributes or qualities played any significant role in your decision-making process?
• Do you ever feel a desire to maintain a certain image or lifestyle through your purchasing habits?
• General Questions (for both):
• Have you purchased a brand or product to send a signal to others?
• Do you make purchases of a brand or product through the gratification of exclusivity? 
• Can you share an example of food products or restaurants do you tend to prefer when you want to reward yourself for an accomplishment?
• STATUS SIGNALING: Explore the differences in consumer behaviors and Brand preferences among ascribed status (born/married into wealth) and achieved status(work/education) in social class systems. Do scholarly research and discuss theseconsumer behaviors --both parties are part of the upper classes, but purchase differently.Research information and terms such as invidious consumption, conspicuousconsumption, and status signaling (see Chapter 12). Discuss consumer behavior of the“nouveau-riche”. Discuss the differences and illustrate with cases and actual brandedproduct purchases that support these consumer behaviors that signal status.
• Some articles that discuss consumer behaviors related to ascribed and achieved status include :
  The voice of traditional leaders has been muted. (2024, Mar 14). The Star Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr... (Is an article on job creation, where impressions were made upon all South Africans including traditional leaders to create jobs, which has stirred up a hornet's nest. This article focuses on the status of a traditional leader an ascribed status, and that of a politician an achieved status. Connecting with the history of traditional leadership continentally and how the South African Constitution has allowed those who know the truth to be muzzled by those in power.)
  Faughnder, R. (2023, Dec 19). THE WIDE SHOT; 'fun-flation' has become a thing; consumers opted for pricey 'experiences' -- trips and live events -- contributing to higher fees. Los Angeles Times Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr... (Is an article focuses on Economic uncertainty, an unstable geopolitical climate, and sticker shock may have weighed heavily on the minds of consumers in 2023 yet that didn't stop people from going out and having a ball. Folks stretched their budgets in an achieved status for concert tickets, especially highly publicized mega tours by Taylor Swift and Beyonce. They flocked to sports games, got dressed up for "Barbenheimer" and emptied their wallets for vacations to Disneyland. Some attributed this to "revenge spending" after shows, live sports, and restaurants were largely off limits for many Americans, and COVID-19 protocols such as mask requirements made going out less enjoyable. For well-off empty nesters, young professionals, and recent graduates entering high-earning careers, spending $500 on a concert might not be such a big deal. In fact, for many people, these experiences are ascribed status symbols, as much as, or more so than, the latest iPhone, which everyone in their social circle has.)Singletary, M. (2023, Jul 19). Inside barbie's dreamhouse: Perfectionism and conspicuous consumption. The Washington Post Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr... (Is an article on the author’s experience & her views towards conspicuous consumption of Barbie. Focusing on how the doll and all her accessories created a sense of isolation when the author was a little girl. She believed there was no place for her in the pretty-in-pink club because her friends' parents could afford to buy multiple Barbies showcasing them off.)
  Elites signaling status through ethical foods. (2019, Jan 09). Asian News International Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr... (Is an article on a new study by UBC sociology professor Emily Huddart Kennedy and colleagues from the University of Toronto finds that free-range and fair-trade foods are becoming increasingly important among the elite. The research team investigates whether the elites are now status signaling through ethical foods.)
  
  Fast lane to the top for nouveau riche. (2023, Apr 22). Weekend Australian Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr...  (Is an article on soccer clubs which have been bought over by a nouveau-riche such as teams including Newcastle United & Manchester City who have been referred as “oil clubs” and teams with endless money yet no talent or good tastes. Goes into detail about how after Manchester City was acquired by a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family hoping to build a top contending team and system revamp overnight, the nouveau riche club plowed into the transfer market like it had just won the lottery yet over the beginning years of the reboot, their decisions led to false dreams & coming up short.)
  
  Strother, S. C. (2014). The consumer market in new china. Journal of Global Business Issues, 8(2), 9-17. Retrieved fromhttps://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/consumer-market-new-china/docview/1654624123/se-2 (This is an article on China’s consumer market that presents a profile of Chinese consumer behavior, and a description of different market segments. The article includes the nouveau riche consumer behaviors that are found in the Middle Kingdom and how nouveau riche falls into the category of market segmentation by income.
  These articles provide a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviors related to ascribed and achieved upper-class status, including luxury purchase patterns, invidious consumption, conspicuous consumption, status signaling, and the impact of digital media on brand preferences.Scholarly peer-reviewed article that discuss consumer behaviors related to ascribed and achieved status within the upper classes include :
  Caballero, C. S. (2021, October 27). Social homogamy in Spain at the time of modernization, 1841–70. EBSCOhost CSUN library. https://web-p-ebscohost-com.libproxy.csun.edu/ehos...  (This article is on how rather than the exception, social homogamy was the rule in past societies, where ascribed status was a key factor in the matching process. However, frameworks like the modernization theory predict that ascribed status loses influence against achieved status as a society modernizes. According to this perspective, the increased economic and social prospects provided by an economy's industrialization increase young people's achieved status and independence from their families in terms of starting a new home. This article further analyzes by utilizing a newly assembled database of around 32,000 marriage records in Spain at the time of its modernization. The results show that as the secondary and especially the service sectors increased, ascribed status's influence decreased, and achieved status's influence increased. The division of the sample into three different social groups shows that this pattern was clearer for the low and middle classes, while modernization variables do not seem to play any significant role either positive or negative in the elites, where the marriage markets show a very particular pattern.)Garcia, S. M., Weaver, K., & Chen, P. (2018). The status signals paradox. The Status Signals Paradox. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~smgarcia/pubs/Status_Signals_Paradox.pdf  (This article explains the belief that flaunting expensive possessions such as Luxury items can attract the people around you. However studies reveal the opposite effect, individuals with flashy items appear less appealing due to social comparisons and naive realism. Multiple studies support this paradox indicating that high status markers make individuals less attractive to them, this article discusses potential mechanisms underlying the paradox and acknowledges instances where signaling status positively impacts friendship formation. Overall it shows insights into the complexities of status signaling dynamics and friendship formation in society.)Han, Y. J., Nunes, J. C., & Dreze, X. (2010, July). Signaling Status with Luxury Goods: The Role of Brand Prominence. Shibboleth authentication request. https://journals-sagepub-com.libproxy.csun.edu/doi...  (This article shows how luxury brands can target various customer segments by adjusting brand visibility and pricing it introduces, brand distinction and its influence on consumer behavior. Status signaling consumers are categorized into four groups based on wealth and status needs each showing predictable preferences for conspicuously or inconspicuously branded luxury goods. Empirical evidence supports the model of status signaling through brand distinction utilizing field experiments and market data analysis. Additionally the study also explores historical context, managerial implications and suggests further research avenues, providing valuable insights into consumer behavior and luxury brand marketing.)
  These peer-reviewed articles and materials provide useful insights into the varied consumer behaviors associated with ascribed and achieved status, including luxury consumption, cultural influences, and brand preferences.
  YU, H., & Vul, E. (2021, November 13). Status signaling in the market for consumer goods. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ab35e(This article dives into what motivates consumers to purchase high value products and how they feel after their purchase. This article includes data that was collected from 11 department stores to measure status signaling. This research article contains a lot of valuable information.)
  
  
  
  Back-Up Articles ;
  Walters, G. (2023, Jul 21). Was Oppenheimer really the ‘father’ of the A-bomb? The Independent (Daily Edition) Retrieved from https://libproxy.csun.edu/login?url=https://www.pr... (Is an article focuses on Christopher Nolan’s biopic of the physicist is released, Guy Walters argues that other great men and women surely deserve ‘parenthood’ of this decisive moment in history. Massive world-changing events, discoveries, inventions, you name it, all can readily be ascribed to a single individual, thereby making historical analysis a complete breeze. The origins of the atomic bomb certainly do not lie in the labs of Los Alamos, but rather in those of the German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, who in 1938 found that they had released barium after bombarding uranium with neutrons. What they had achieved was nuclear fission.)