What is a Status-Driven Culture? How does it impact society?

A constant search for validation prompts in confinement.

Jubi Jia

Poverty generally refers to a condition of economic and social difficulties where basic human needs go unmet. But perhaps the literal significance of poverty should be redefined as a condition in which a large group of people devote their entire lives to starvation, whose only source of nourishment is “External Validation.”

One segment of the world is malnourished due to a lack of resources and funds. Meanwhile, the wealthy possess an abundance of purposeless material goods intended to perpetuate a “High Status.” And such societies with Validation Seekers, however, frequently engage in shaming, mocking, or pointing out the shortcomings of one another to elevate their status within the community. Moreover, most of these people extensively hurtle to get imprisoned within the Status-Driven Culture since it has become “Celebrated.”

How does Social Image impact a Status-Driven Culture?

Humans have been pretentious being for several generations that suffers to maintain a Social Image. But in recent decades, human existence has become thoroughly driven by Personal, Social, and Economic Status without acknowledging their unbiased truth. And Social Media Channels play a significant role in embracing that Status-Driven Culture.

For example, Social Media promotes Contagious and Viral Marketing content through which people can receive Social Currency and gain visibility and engagement. And that gives rise to fakery and deception. More and more people are trying to live up to misconceptions about their Social Identities instead of embracing their authentic selves in our increasingly denial-based world.

Why is there a need for an extreme notability toward the hungry Status-Driven community?

Perhaps the insecurities of Approval-Seeking humans have transformed them into braggarts. On second thought, if an individual is self-assured, what is the “necessity” for them to broadcast it to the entire world?

For instance, most Hollywood celebrities, or especially the most current musicians and artists from the 2000s, who are the influencers for the youth today, vocalize their thoughts through song lyrics and film videos that concern status, banknotes, female structures, etc. They feature Status-Driven material products such as gold-diamond jewels, high-fashion designer wear, and undoubtedly the luxurious Lamborghinis with half-naked women.

Even though luxury goods symbolize Economic Status, “Wealth” is not synonymous with extreme Status-Driven behavior!! As Barack Obama once said, “If you are secure about your sexuality and finances, what is the call for flaunting twerking females on expensive Lamborghinis in your music videos?”

Asian Culture and Social Status

As far as India is concerned, practically everything relates to Status Control concerning class, caste, education, and income, and the list continues. Most Indians are constantly anxious about “what will other people say or think?” which regulates a competitive environment. It may not be the condition in every part of the country. But generally, most Indians carry a Status-Driven mindset for recognition among their neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. In particular, Indians are enamored with organizing extravagant weddings. Families go to extraordinary lengths, from providing elephants for the groom to dressing brides in over three hundred grams of gold to booking an entire island for the receptions, not just for cultural ceremonies but primarily for “Social Status.” Several Indian families even undertake a mortgage to organize such luxurious events.

Therefore, why does status profoundly drive these people more than their convenience?

Furthermore, according to several Asian cultures, women should get married by 25 or 28. Otherwise, they are considered cursed or a “waste” to society. The concern about “what would people say or think?” applies here too. Asian countries habitually interfere with female lives, primarily concerning Personal Affairs and Social Status. Modern times and women’s empowerment have made things brighter for most Asian women regarding their freedom to decide for themselves. However, several Asian communities still force women to marry at a certain age to uphold their “Social and Personal Status.”

What makes people so anxious to be Validated by others that they prioritize High Social, Personal, and Economic success?

Perhaps, these Validation Seekers honestly believe that the Status-Driven Culture can bring them Happiness, Peace, and Security.

Happiness is, indeed, an internal piece of work. Being ecstatic is recognizing the self-power to choose what to accept and what to relinquish. It requires a person or even a group of people to battle negative egos and small minds. “Happiness” or “Peace” can arrive from the choices fabricated by an individual and standing still with those choices because the decisions and choices are a reflection of the journey of our lives. When humans assign their Power of Choice to other beings or External Validations, including family and friends, they become trapped inside a rattling cage. In other words, content or happy people don’t need others or outside sources to validate their feelings.

Of course, there is no denying that wealth, income, and possibly even Social Status can provide comfort and security. However, material possessions to “perpetuate” a High Status or Status Quo within the society can never bring genuine Contentment. Having certain things can make your life more enjoyable. But, ultimately, your happiness is on you. People who are honest and self-dependent are satisfied with their lives. They do not seek affirmation or validation from outside sources.

Pleasure, Gratification, or Reliability, be it Social, Economic, or Personal, from the outside influences are temporary and detrimental!!

Happiness or Peace of Mind comes from accepting oneself, and Accepting oneself is freeing from the burden of needing to be Acknowledged or Validated. Life is valuable and short-lived. So there is no time to play small for a hungry Status-Driven community as it navigates toward a lifetime of Confinement.