Question

Among the middle class youth of India, the iPhone has become extremely popular as it reflects their social standing. Which concept can be best associated with this example?

• A. Consumerism
• B. Status Symbol
• C. Modernisation
• D. Westernisation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In sociology, the concept that best associates with the popularity of the iPhone among the middle-class youth of India, as it reflects their social standing, is "Status Symbol."

Here's the reasoning:

The term "status symbol" is used to describe a possession that signifies its owner's social or economic prestige. When individuals acquire goods not only for their functionality but to display wealth or higher social identity, those goods become status symbols. The iPhone, due to its premium pricing, brand image, and social perception, serves as a marker of wealth and sophistication among users. Especially in a diverse and economically stratified society, owning an iPhone can be an expression of the owner’s success and position in social hierarchy.

Answer 2

In the context of the iPhone becoming popular among the middle-class youth in India, the iPhone is seen as a status symbol. A status symbol is something that signifies a person's social standing, wealth, or prestige within society. In this case, owning an iPhone is a way for individuals to display their social status and affluence, reflecting their desire to be associated with modernity, wealth, or exclusivity.

• Consumerism (A) refers to the social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. While consumerism plays a role, it is not the primary concept here.
• Modernisation (C) refers to the process of adopting modern methods, technologies, or ideas, but it does not specifically refer to using products to signal social standing.
• Westernisation (D) refers to the adoption of Western ideas, practices, or culture. While iPhones may be associated with Western culture, the main idea here is the symbolic meaning of owning an iPhone as a status symbol, not necessarily the influence of Western culture.

Therefore, the best concept associated with this example is Status Symbol.