New Middle Classes’ Consumption Practices on The Axis of Conspicuous Consumption Behavior

Abstract

Today, individuals live in a daily life space where they are addicted to fashion and what is constantly renewed. Consumption practices, guided by the symbolic values of consumption objects, have been a means of class mobility for individuals in different income groups as a status indicator. Certain types of consumption practices have become the means and purpose of creating a lifestyle, ensuring its continuity, and creating differences by making use of the artificial attractiveness of consumption objects. The motivation to be different from the other has become possible with consumption practicies that are reproduced, valued and given meaning, which have the potential to indicate the social position, class position and prestige of the individual. In this article, the dynamics and dimensions of differentiation and separation forms embodied by consumption practices are discussed.