In
sociology and in
economics, the term
sign value denotes and describes the
value accorded to an object because of the
prestige (social status) that it imparts upon the possessor, rather than the material value and
utility derived from the function and the primary use of the object. For example, the buyer of a
Rolls-Royce limousine might partly value the automobile as transport, yet might also value it as a sign that
signifies his or her wealth to a particular community and to society in general. The automobile’s transport-function is primary, from which arises its use-value, whilst the social prestige function is secondary, from which arises its sign-value.