In a country where the gap between the richest and the middle class has widened, the wealthiest citizens' spending on luxury homes and cars becomes highly publicized. According to the theory that social comparison influences economic choices, which of the following best analyzes the mechanism by which this trend could lead to longer average work hours for the middle class?

Evaluating a Policy to Counteract Social Consumption Pressures

Analyzing the Societal Impact of Conspicuous Consumption

A theory proposes a causal link between rising income inequality and an increase in average work hours, driven by social comparison. Arrange the following statements to reflect the logical progression of this theory, from initial cause to final effect.

According to the theory where social comparison drives consumption, a policy that successfully reduces the visibility of luxury consumption (e.g., by banning advertising for super-yachts and private jets) would have no impact on the average work hours of the middle class because it does not change the underlying income distribution.

A theory proposes that social comparison, driven by economic trends, can influence how much people work. Match each component of this theoretical process to its corresponding description.

Explaining Local Economic Behavior

Predicting Economic Behavior in Two Fictional Towns

Imagine a society where, over a decade, the gap between the highest earners and the middle class widens significantly. During this time, media and advertising increasingly feature the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy. Concurrently, statistics show that middle-class individuals are working longer hours and taking on more debt. Based on the economic theory that social comparison drives consumption, which of the following represents the most probable negative externality resulting from this situation?

Critiquing the Social Comparison Theory of Work Hours

Status Signaling as a Motivation for Increased Work Hours

Luxury Consumption as a Public Bad

Conspicuous Consumption's Environmental Impact