Inconspicuous Consumption

The less money their peers make, the more individuals spend on bling; visible hot stuff and big screen televisions. Societies with emerging economies like China or other groups who've been historically poor tend to buy ostentatious cars, build things like they do in Dubai and put 21 inch wheels on junk cars. But it is a developmental stage and as wealth increases, more is spent on much more private luxuries and things of more substance like education. David Brooks observed that in mature affluence:

it’s virtuous to spend $25,000 on your bathroom, but it’s vulgar to spend $15,000 on a sound system and a wide-screen TV. It’s decadent to spend $10,000 on an outdoor Jacuzzi, but if you’re not spending twice that on an oversized slate shower stall, it’s a sign that you probably haven’t learned to appreciate the simple rhythms of life.

But what about those of poor and modest means who don't care for bling?
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