A status symbol must plausibly serve an everyday function to be convincing.

Evidence

In semiotics, “symbol” is a technical term for a sign that requires preexisting knowledge to be interpreted. Early-twentieth-century European women used camellias as a symbol to communicate their desire to be seduced. Suitors had to know the code to read this flower as an invitation. But a flower is also a flower—something used as adornment. The underlying object or behavior “transporting” the symbolic meanings is known as the sign-vehicle. … A million-dollar hunk of iron could be evidence of wealth, but it wouldn’t work as a status symbol because normal people don’t own raw industrial materials. The Harvestore, on the other hand, functions as a grain silo, and so it makes an ideal status symbol. Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter carried a Louis Vuitton Alma BB, because she needed a bag to schlep around her books and toys. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 207

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the semiotic term ‘sign-vehicle’ and distinguishes it from ‘symbol’.
• CANDY: Camellias as coded invitations to seduction and Blue Ivy toting a Louis Vuitton for toys are both light, tellable tidbits.
• XREF: connects to: Every conforming action doubles as an unconscious status signal readable by others. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 195; Anyone can counterfeit status symbols because signification inherently permits lying. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 231; Status symbols work only when the object serves a natural everyday function. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 205 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Status symbols require non-status rationales, and alibis mask status motives #corroborates (0.88) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 208
• Status seekers choose symbols for their audience and adjust them based on feedback. #expands (0.78) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 229