From Leisurely to Busy: A Symbol of Status

Guest: Neeru Paharia, Assistant Professor of Business, Georgetown University  A show called, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” was popular in America in the 1980s. On the show, conspicuous consumption and leisure time were the hallmarks of extraordinary wealth. You knew you’d arrived if you could buy anything you wanted and spend your time lounging on a yacht, not having to lift a finger. But somewhere in the last 30 years, there’s a been a shift in America toward busyness as a symbol of status. It’s all over social media, if you know what to look for. It’s also probably part of your own habits. When somebody asks how you’re doing, what’s your response? I bet “busy” comes up a lot.