Which two-word term specifically names the practice of showing wealth through consumer goods?

• A. Culture
• B. Consumption
• C. Producer responsibility law
• D. Conspicuous consumption

Answer: (D)

Showing wealth through consumer goods is a form of conspicuous consumption. This idea focuses on using luxury items and visible signals—like designer clothes, high-end cars, or lavish gadgets—to communicate social status to others, rather than to fulfill basic needs or for practical function. It was described by sociologist Thorstein Veblen as a deliberate display of wealth to signal position within a social hierarchy, often influencing how others perceive and respond to the person.

Conspicuous consumption stands in contrast to general consumption, which simply involves acquiring goods for use or pleasure, without the primary aim of signaling status. It also differs from culture, which is a broad system of beliefs, values, and practices, and from producer responsibility law, which concerns the duties of manufacturers rather than personal signaling.