Question

Consider the statement given below as true: “Men use the plasticity of consumer identity construction to forge atavistic masculine identities based upon an imagined life of self-reliant, pre-modern men who lived outside the confines of cities, families, and work bureaucracies.” Which of the following statements would concur with the above idea and the theme of the main paragraph?

• A. Pre-modern man was anti-social.
• B. Products that fulfil the desire of anti-social behaviour will sell more.
• C. Modern men are always anti-social.
• D. Consumer will satisfy their desire of masculine identity through socially visible consumption.
• E. Men will fulfil their desires for maintaining their identity.

Hint:

When analyzing such RC questions, always focus on the keywords like “identity,” “consumption,” and “socially visible.” These indicate that consumer choices are symbolic representations of deeper psychological or cultural desires.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the statement.
The given statement explains that men construct their consumer identity by imagining themselves as strong, self-reliant, pre-modern individuals. This reflects how consumer behavior is not just about utility but about shaping identity.
Step 2: Key idea.
The main idea is that men use consumption as a tool to display or affirm their masculine identity, especially through goods or behaviors that are publicly visible.
Step 3: Evaluating options.
(A) “Pre-modern man was anti-social.” — This is unrelated; the statement does not claim anti-social behavior, only self-reliance.
(B) “Products that fulfil the desire of anti-social behaviour will sell more.” — Too narrow and misses the main idea.
(C) “Modern men are always anti-social.” — This is extreme and not stated in the passage.
(D) “Consumer will satisfy their desire of masculine identity through socially visible consumption.” — This directly reflects the idea that identity (masculinity) is constructed and displayed through consumption.
(E) “Men will fulfil their desires for maintaining their identity.” — Vague and less precise compared to (D).
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct statement is (D), since it directly ties masculinity with consumer identity expressed through socially visible consumption. \[ \boxed{\text{Consumer will satisfy their desire of masculine identity through socially visible consumption.}} \]