Final answer:
A distinctive subgroup of society that self-selects based on a shared commitment to a particular product class, brand, or consumption activity is known as a consumption subculture. These subcultures provide members with a specific identity based on their shared interests and preferences. The correct answer to the student's question is 'D. consumption subculture'.
Step-by-step explanation:
A distinctive subgroup of society that self-selects on the basis of a shared commitment to a particular product class, brand, or consumption activity is known as a consumption subculture. This subculture is characterized by members who actively engage and identify with a product or brand, thereby differentiating themselves from other groups.
Consumption subcultures can be found in various societies and may revolve around interests such as motorcycles in biker culture, or aesthetic aesthetics such as tattoos and piercings in the body modification community. These subgroups not only share distinct consumption behaviors but also create a sense of identity and community among their members.
These subcultures exist within a larger society but offer their members a specific identity and set of practices that are related to their consumption preferences, which is why the correct answer is D. consumption subculture.