Status symbol - Definition and Overview

A status symbol is something that indicates the social status of its owner. Usually a status symbol is a mark of high status.

Status symbols change rapidly along with technological and economic change in a society and are often a good indicator of such changes. For instance, before the invention of the printing press, owning a large number of books would be considered a status symbol. After books began to become more widespread, owning books was somewhat less of a status symbol.

Status symbols can also indicate the cultural values of a society. In a materialistic or commercial society, wealth and symbols of wealth are often status symbols. In a society valuing bravery or honor, a battle scar would be more of a status symbol.

In modern-day Western society, some possessions that could be labeled as status symbols include a large, expensive house, expensive car, or fine clothes.