#150: Battered Uniform Principle, Luxury Beliefs & Galloway’s Razor
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Status Symbols
I. Battered Uniform Principle
The Battered Uniform Principle is my own term for the hypothesis that a visibly worn utility uniform confers status on its wearer as it signals practical experience and seniority.
A brand new Brazilian jiu-jitsu uniform (Gi) and belt without any wear marks look as if they have never touched the mat. It will make the wearer look inexperienced and lower status in the sport. A battered and faded Gi is an indication of the blood, sweat and possibly tears left on the mats, on the uniform and in the washing machine during innumerate wash cycles.
In the military, a clean yet battered and washed-out combat uniform is testimony of hours spent in the field. It distinguishes the experienced serviceman from the inexperienced recruit or office soldier. I once knew a corporal with two deployments who was immensely proud that his once green-brown battle dress was so washed-out that it had practically turned into snow camouflage.
Note, the condition of the uniform is one signal out of many. To a degree, the Battered Uniform Principle is also irrespective of rank. For obvious reasons, the rule does not apply to formal attire such as dress uniforms or office suits.
II. Luxury Beliefs
Writer and social commentator Rob Henderson had quite a climb up the social status ladder. Born into poverty, he grew up in foster homes. Eventually, he made it to Yale and the University of Cambridge to study psychology. But entering the world of elite college was quite a culture shock. Based on his research and experience he coined the term Luxury Beliefs:
Luxury beliefs have, to a large extent, replaced luxury goods.
Luxury beliefs are ideas and opinions that confer status on the upper class, while often inflicting costs on the lower classes.
—Rob Henderson, Luxury Beliefs are Status Symbols
For example: “Just follow your passion and ignore the money,” is a belief that signals financial independence and higher social status. It doesn’t work for people with low socioeconomic status, though. In fact, it could be harmful if they treated themselves to this luxury belief.
III. Galloway’s Razor
Material possessions fade. Experiences increase in value. Galloway’s Razor goes back to research done by marketing professor Scott Galloway. It was coined by writer Gurwinder Boghal who explained the razor like this:
Research shows people enjoy possessions less than they expected, and they enjoy experiences more than they expected. In the end, people value what they did much more than what they owned. So choose adventures over luxury items.
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Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com