What is competitive consumption driven by?

Competitive consumption is fundamentally driven by the irrational desire to prove financial superiority over others. This concept is rooted in social comparison theory, which suggests that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. In this context, people often engage in competitive consumption to display wealth or status, using their purchasing power as a means to signal their financial success and superiority in social hierarchies.

This behavior can manifest in various forms, such as buying luxury goods, flashy cars, or living in expensive neighborhoods, where the intention is less about personal need and more about making a statement to peers. The desire to showcase financial strength can lead some individuals to prioritize consumption over savings or pragmatic needs, often resulting in choices that may not enhance their overall quality of life in a meaningful way.

The other options reflect motivations that are not central to the essence of competitive consumption. While extravagant living and quality of life improvements may play a role in some consumer behaviors, they do not encapsulate the primary motivation behind competitive consumption, which is primarily linked to the need to assert one's financial standing in a comparative context. Additionally, the motivation to save money stands apart from the competitive aspect, as it implies a more cautious and restrained approach to consumption rather than one driven by