Final answer:
It is true that in emerging markets like India and Vietnam, amenities such as refrigerators, toilets, and cell phones are seen as status symbols due to their association with a higher level of living standard and the social standing conferred by conspicuous consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses whether amenities such as refrigerators, flush toilets, and cell phones are considered status symbols in emerging markets like India and Vietnam. This claim is true. In low-income countries, necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter are a priority for the population, and as such, environmental quality or the possession of certain amenities can be seen as a luxury. As the middle class in these countries grows, owning such items becomes a way of communicating one's social standing through conspicuous consumption. This pattern is observed across many emerging economies where the availability of material goods and amenities mirrors the lifestyle aspirations influenced by Western standards. Moreover, items like cell phones have transformed communities, providing functions beyond their primary purpose, such as banking for small traders and internet access for education.