status signaling

Status signaling is the way individuals communicate their social importance or rank to others, often through behavior, possessions, or appearance. It helps establish dominance, prestige, or respect within a group. For example, a high-quality car or professional attire can signal success, while confident speech or leadership actions may demonstrate authority. These signals influence how people are perceived and treated, reinforcing social hierarchies and personal reputation. Essentially, status signaling is about using particular cues and actions to show one's place or importance in a social structure.