http://tressiemc.com/2013/10/29/the-logic-of-stupid-poor-people/
This is a great essay by Tressie MC explaining why poor people (particularly those from marginalized communities) buy status symbols seemingly beyond their means. Some accuse the poor of being stupid and wasteful, but that's almost certainly not the case. Too often, status symbols are purchased by the poor because there are so few ways for them to gain status, and when other avenues are denied, spending money to make ones' self look or live nicer can bring respect that, although not necessarily earned, is needed to either get by or get ahead.