Snobbery - what is this concept?

Today it is not so often possible to hear that someone is called a snob. Rather, this term is used in the literature. Snobbery - what does this mean? For sure, each of us met a man who seemed to be boasting his own "not like everyone else's" situation. He arrogantly refers to people who speak differently from him, read other books, listen to other music, etc. We call such a man a snob and feel in his behavior some kind of falsehood, as if he put on the mask of an intellectual and an aristocrat . What are the main characteristics of this person?

Snob Characteristics

Snobbery - what is this "beast"? The main category, which is operated by a snob, is a high society. Such a person simply dreams of the idea of involvement in him and does everything to approach such people. Snob imitates manners, habits, tastes, which, in his opinion, are inherent in the elite. Although such a person does not belong to the representatives of high society, he treats "mere mortals" mercilessly.

The meaning of the word "snobbery" is mostly negative in connexion with the arrogant attitude of a person towards someone other than him. The lowest estate, according to the snob, does not reach intellectually to its level. Here it is necessary to remember who was originally called that. The first meaning is literally "apprentice shoemaker", then it expanded to "commoner". Further, the concept of "snob" was associated with a commoner who, by his behavior, imitates aristocrats. Thus, the term itself describes a snob as a person who wants to approach a higher community that hates its origin and despises all its manifestations in every possible way.

Psychological aspects of snobbery

What is so notable for snobbery? What is this phenomenon in the modern world? Although this concept is not used widely in ordinary speech, snobs themselves are encountered quite often. They pretend to be some kind of exclusivity of everything they do. But after all, there are people with the same interests and hobbies as a snob, but unlike the latter they do not boast of their attachments. The fact is that snobbery is an ostentatious phenomenon. Such a person strives to show his exceptionality with all his might. He denies himself and tries to imitate some ideal. Deep dissatisfaction with his position and even an inferiority complex are the causes of snobbery.

Snobbery - what is this in terms of good and bad?

At first glance, this phenomenon has only negative aspects. Snob exudes contempt for people unlike him, while he himself is not something remarkable. However, the benefits and dangers of snobbery in society can not be judged unilaterally. First, the phenomenon characterizes society as a class divided. This means that there is a gap between the so-called higher and lower society. After all, snobbery is nothing but a sophisticated form of envy. Secondly, the snobs (whatever motives may be the basis of their behavior) tend to display intelligence and aristocracy. And this supports to some extent the cultural level of society.