It's Been a Minute
From cupcakes to private jets, how the quest for status drives culture
30 Aug 2022
What is culture, where does it come from and why does it change? W. David Marx, author of the new book Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change, says the answers come from our desire for prestige. Marx tells guest host Elise Hu how status has historically worked to drive trends like gourmet cupcakes or dark wash jeans, how the internet can lead to cultural stagnation, and ways we can redefine status to build a more equitable society.Status and Culture is out Sept. 6.You can follow us on Twitter @NPRItsBeenAMin and email us at [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from It's Been a Minute
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Canada hates us, but it's not all Trump's fault.
02 Jun 2025
It's Been a Minute
Age gaps & wage gaps: unpacking our Belichick-Hudson obsession
30 May 2025
It's Been a Minute
Can doctors test embryos for autism? And should they?
28 May 2025
It's Been a Minute
Brittany needs a couch. Should she buy now, pay later?
26 May 2025
It's Been a Minute
Why can't we (or Ms. Rachel) talk about Gaza's children dying?
23 May 2025
It's Been a Minute
Pop culture has a "bean soup problem."
21 May 2025
It's Been a Minute