Final answer:
Susan's choice of a sports car over a sedan is an example of conspicuous consumption, a way to make a statement about her identity and desired social standing. It reflects the broader social behavior where individuals use luxury items to express and communicate their self-concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Susan chose to buy herself a brand-new red sports car for her fortieth birthday, as opposed to the four-door sedan that her friend suggested, she was making a statement about the type of person she is or wants to be. This choice can be seen as an act of conspicuous consumption, which is a behavior where individuals purchase luxury items to display wealth or status to others. In Susan's case, the sports car serves not just a practical function of transportation, but also communicates her desire for a certain image or lifestyle, potentially symbolizing youthfulness, success, or a sense of adventure.
The purchase of specific items like expensive vehicles, designer clothing, or cutting-edge gadgets can be a way for people to express their identity or perceived social standing. This action reflects an understanding that material possessions can be extensions of our self-concept and are often used to influence how we are perceived by others. It's a choice that goes beyond functionality and ventures into the realm of personal branding.