In some countries, there are inheritable positions of nobility, and we so find to be in those countries, that those without these titles of nobility, are occasionally able to achieve such, if their accomplishments are considered to be, by that noble class, of immense national worth and value, thereby, allowing these worthy commoners, to be subsequently knighted, and thus to have earned that title bestowed upon them by their merit. All things being equal, those that have noble titles, whether they are born into such or have been deemed to deserve such, are by virtue of just having that title, accorded by a significant amount of people, a great deal of respect. So too, in those nations, without titles of nobility, we do so find, that many people are suitably impressed by those that have tremendous material assets which allows these high achievers to be able to lead lives that most of us, can only aspire to, but will never come close to achieving.
Whether we, as individuals, buy into it or not, there is a social ladder in societies, of which, that social ladder serves to separate the different classes of the people within that nation. It would probably be more comforting if the distinctions within society, had more to do with the character of the person, so involved, as compared to their wealth, their education, their job position, or their place of residency, but alas, to adjudge a given person’s character is something that isn’t easily done well, without actually knowing that person fairly intimately; whereas, to assign status based upon a person’s income, wealth, or the accouterments that they so display, is far easier.
When it comes to social status, we do so find, that some people, are absolutely determined to wear their social status on their sleeve, and want to make sure that the people that they associate with, know it. These people, mainly, though not always, are typically the type of people, that have come from rather trying circumstances in which they have not been historically accorded respect when growing up, and are therefore absolutely determined that now that they are successful and have fairly earned their credentials for respect, they thus want society to show them that respect, that they feel that they now thoroughly deserve. This is one of the seminal reasons, why the accouterments of the rich, represented though the purchase and display of high-end purses, watches, designer clothes, vehicles, and travel choices have such a loyal constituency, because the purchase of these things, for those people, seeking such status, is for them, definitely worth the price.
For those on the rise on the social ladder, part of the fun, or the impetus to climb up that ladder, is to be suitably recognized by their peers, as well as by the general public, as a person of means and success. It is amazing, how being “respected” means so much to so many people, and when those, even those on the lower end of the social ladder, do not receive the respect that they so believe that they deserve, very bad things can happen. So too, for those higher up on that social ladder, or perceiving themselves as being higher up, to discount their achievements could, for those that commit that faux pas, represent the type of disrespect which is not easily forgotten, nor easily forgiven.