Status symbol Definition
A status symbol is something that indicates the social status of its owner. Usually a status symbol is a mark of high status.
Status symbols change rapidly along with technological and economic change in a society and are often a good indicator of such changes. For instance, before the invention of the printing press, owning a large number of books would be considered a status symbol. After books began to become more widespread, owning books was somewhat less of a status symbol.
Status symbols can also indicate the cultural values of a society. In a materialistic or commercial society, wealth and symbols of wealth are often status symbols. In a society valuing bravery or honor, a battle scar would be more of a status symbol.