"My pet theory on this is: "man" has a need to "better" his situation and his status among his peers. Where a recognised class structure does not exist or is in decline "man" uses other means to measure his status or standing against his peers. In a market economy this is most easily achieved through money and displays of wealth or expenditure. Society as a whole seems to have accepted this method of advancement and embraced it, thus validating "mans" expenditure, and the cycle continues."
I think this is a very interesting theory and I believe it describes a lot of people and their view of their own world and where they fit in in the pecking order. I personally find it distasteful and hope that few of the people I choose to spend my time with (as in friends and family) ascribe to it. Its not a nice theory but I think it is apposite in relation to much of our society's need to demonstrate ostentatious shows of wealth.
mf