Question

The author makes all but one of these points about the 'Black Diamonds'?

A.Cost of life-course events such as marriage is going up
B.There is now a massive demand for higher education
C.They are upwardly mobile fast-growing African middle class
D.The most important kinds of expenditure for the new middle class is mandatory issues such as wedding, funeral and higher education
E.Some of the author's informants wanted to get married in order to escape the trap of conspicuous consumption associated with marriage

Answer 1

The 'Black Diamonds' refer to a growing middle class in Africa, with points such as rising costs for life events and a demand for education being highlighted. However, the idea about marrying to escape conspicuous consumption does not align with the provided references, which focus on the importance of higher education during economic hardship.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked about points the author makes regarding the 'Black Diamonds,' a term often used to describe an upwardly mobile, fast-growing African middle class. Outlined points highlight various socioeconomic aspects such as the increasing cost of life-course events like marriage, a surge in demand for higher education, and the middle class's most crucial types of expenditures. However, one particular point about some of the author's informants desiring marriage to avoid the conspicuous consumption associated with it seems to be the odd one out, not aligning with the provided reference texts. These texts instead emphasize the value seen in higher education during economic downturns and the betterment of income prospects as key factors for consumer spending choices in tough times.