Question

question 41
nobility defined by recognized conspicuous consumption meant that
class boundaries were porous.
class boundaries were closed and rigidly defended.
a persons class was in no way tied to his or her economic status.
a persons class was tied to his or her lineage.
class boundaries had become obsolete.

Explanation:

Conspicuous consumption is a concept related to showing off wealth. If nobility is defined by recognized conspicuous consumption, it implies that those with the means (not just by birth - lineage) can potentially enter the noble class. This makes class boundaries less rigid (porous) as economic ability (through consumption) can play a role. Class boundaries being closed and rigidly defended would be the opposite. A person's class not tied to economic status is incorrect as conspicuous consumption is economic. Class tied to lineage is the old - traditional view (not related to consumption - based nobility). Class boundaries becoming obsolete is an extreme and incorrect view as social classes still exist in some form.

Answer:

class boundaries were porous.