Snobs

Snobs are individuals who display a strong sense of superiority and often look down on others who do not share their tastes, values, or cultural background. The term is often associated with people who are perceived as being class-conscious, and who use their social status, education, and economic advantages to distinguish themselves from others.

In sociology, snobbery is considered a social phenomenon where individuals prioritize exclusivity and distinction over social cohesion and equality. Snobs often use cultural, economic, and educational markers to establish their status within a particular social group. They may insist on certain brands, products, or lifestyles, and reject those that do not meet their standards.

Snobbery can manifest in various forms, including cultural, economic, and educational snobbery. Cultural snobs, for example, often claim to have a sophisticated taste in art, music, or literature, and may look down on those who do not share their appreciation for these things. Economic snobs may flaunt their wealth and status, and may be disdainful of those who are less affluent. Educational snobs often concern themselves with mastering theory, intellectual abstractions, and arcane knowledge, and may view those who are less educated as inferior.

Despite the negative connotations of the term, some sociologists argue that snobbery can also serve as a coping mechanism for individuals who feel insecure or anxious about their social status. By creating distance between themselves and others, snobs may feel more secure in their own identities and social positions. However, snobbery can also be a divisive force that hinders social mobility and reinforces social hierarchies.