Antecedents of Conspicuous Consumption, Status Aspiration, and Its Consequences: An Empirical Study on Migrant Blue-Collar Workers in GCC

Abstract

Conspicuous consumption means consumers prefer to buy expensive items to show their wealth and status to society. This study objective is to develop a framework that connects conspicuous consumption variables with the aspirations and consequences and to test the model among the migrant blue-collar workers located in the GCC countries. Primary data was collected with a structured questionnaire from 400 blue-collar migrant workers in GCC countries. Eight hypotheses were formed and tested by using factor analysis and structural equation model analysis. The study concluded that blue-collar expatriate workers exhibit a high level of lush luxury behavior to gain family and social acceptance, which is one of the best ways of expressing themselves; however these are attained at the cost of financial sustainability of personal wellbeing.