Status desire would arise rationally even without any evolved instinct

Evidence

The entire debate around the status instinct may be moot. The benefits of higher status are so obvious that a hypothetical person born without an innate drive for status would still seek a higher position out of pure rational calculation. Normal status provides social approval, common courtesies and pleasantries, and relaxed communication with others. This is a major improvement from lower status, with its constant reminders of inherent inferiority, reprimands for the tiniest errors, marginalization, and potential social exile. High status further expands upon the benefits of normal status and offers protection against falling to low status. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 63

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Seeking status is a fundamental human desire that never reaches satiation — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 22; Rational calculation alone would generate status seeking regardless of innate drive — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 63; Genetically evolved sentiments can motivate action against self-interest (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Rational calculation alone would generate status seeking regardless of innate drive #expands (0.97) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 63
• Genetically evolved sentiments can motivate action against self-interest #complicates (0.78)
• Status-seeking makes many choices nonrational yet still materially rewarding #complicates (0.74) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 187