The psychology of status

One peculiar thing about humans is that we seek status in multiple ways. Not merely through dominance, like it’s common among primates, but also through psychological “games”. Status seeking is a rather primitive and fundamental game within humans, as it provides access to resources, social alliances, and romantic partners.

For example, we may use fancy language to signal a level of high education and sophistication, show our economic prosperity through conspicuous consumption (e.g., buying fancy and unnecessary possessions), or play it down with modesty to signal morality and superiority.

Status is the value, respect, or esteem that others accord to you. There are two fundamental types of status in humans:

• Dominance: based on force and fear
• Prestige: freely given based on merit and benefit to others

Dominance, which is evolutionarily older, is based on fear and coercion. Prestige is freely given based on skills, knowledge, or achievements, and it is unique to humans.

The more you have, the more you tend to want, the more you fear losing it.