Which of these is an example of “Keeping up with the Joneses?” *
A. Buying new sneakers the day they come out, because you know others in your class
will have them, too
B. Applying to the top colleges, to see if you’ll get accepted & what financial aid
packages they’ll offer
C. Saving for retirement as soon as you graduate college, to take advantage of
compounding interest
D. Buying plane tickets for vacation well in advance so that you’ll benefit from cheaper
prices
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. Buying new sneakers the day they come out, because you know others in your class will have them, too.
Explanation:
The phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses” refers to the social phenomenon where individuals feel pressure to match the lifestyle, possessions, or status of their peers or neighbors. The concept is rooted in the desire to avoid appearing less successful or trendy than others around them, even if it leads to financial strain. The term originated in the early 20th century, with the “Joneses” symbolizing an average family whose habits and possessions set the standard for others.
In this context, answer A – “Buying new sneakers the day they come out, because you know others in your class will have them, too” – is a clear example of “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Here, the motivation for purchasing new sneakers isn’t personal preference or need, but rather the awareness that others in the peer group will also have them. This decision is influenced by social comparison, where individuals assess their own worth or image based on how they stack up against others. Buying these sneakers isn’t necessarily about the product itself but about achieving social parity or fitting in, which is the hallmark of this behavior.
The other answer choices do not exemplify “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Answer B, applying to top colleges, is typically a self-improvement decision and focuses on educational or career goals. This choice is motivated by personal ambition rather than social comparison. Similarly, answer C, saving for retirement, reflects financial planning and forethought. The motivation here is financial security rather than peer influence. Finally, answer D, buying plane tickets in advance to save money, demonstrates financial prudence and planning, not a response to others’ actions.
In summary, “Keeping up with the Joneses” describes actions driven by peer influence and a desire to match others’ material possessions or lifestyle. Only answer A reflects this tendency, as it involves a purchase primarily motivated by a wish to align with peers rather than for intrinsic or practical reasons.