Max Weber, one of the founders of sociology, has pointed out that people buy and use goods which are closely related to their status in society. He has described this relationship by the term social status. He has also explained that how classes and status groups are differentiated on the basis of their lifestyle.

Lifestyle not only includes consumption but also the way of decorating home, the way of dressing, the leisure activities, and many other aspects of daily life.

For example, in today's world the brand of cell phone or the model of car owned by the family is an important marker of the socio-economic status of that family.