Urbanism, Anonymity, and Status Symbolism

Abstract

Status symbols are important in urban sociology because, as many social contacts in the city are segmental and anonymous, symbols of status are necessary for strangers and passing acquaintances to place and appraise one another. This study attempts to examine variations in the symbolism employed by persons of different socioeconomic levels when asked to bestow status and observe the status of anonymous others. In general, "style symbolism" mediated observations, while symbols of social position and participation mediated bestowals, whit differences in the symbolism used by different strata.