Status in the New Asia

The desire to feel special is a universal quality among humans. People who no longer must worry about survival and security pursue status in varying ways including wealth, knowledge, purpose or notice. The notion that globalization equals homogenization is too simple, argues Roger Cohen, in his column for the New York Times. “‘Mass’ is becoming a problematic word in the global marketplace,” he writes, pointing out custom, crafted, and original are new goals for consumers and producers, especially the elite. “Globalization, it transpires, is also about growing fragmentation. It involves consumer rebellions against being herded by conglomerates toward the same brands in the same malls.” The growing desire for authenticity is a challenge for huge firms, as the connoisseurs and critics dismissed products for the masses. Cohen relies on the trend of microbreweries, microdistilleries and fine-crafted liquor products as an example, but the pursuit of “luxury,” “unique” and “rare” has become a global trend for many products and services. – YaleGlobal