In the most recent episode of econtalk (http://www.econtalk.org/archives/2017/05/tyler_cowen_on_1.html http://www.econtalk.org/archives/2017/05/tyler_cowen_on_1

In the most recent episode of econtalk (http://www.econtalk.org/archives/2017/05/tyler_cowen_on_1.html http://www.econtalk.org/archives/2017/05/tyler_cowen_on_1.ht...) Tyler Cowen had the very interesting thesis that less formal dress codes make it harder for outsiders to fit in and makes it harder to climb there ladder. Instead of just wearing what's prescribed for your role you now have to decide yourself what might be seen as appropriate and maybe even decide how to stick out or what clothing match your desired perception and ambitions. He pointed out that as a immigrant from a foreign culture you'd be relieved to just get a simple answer like "white shirt and black tie". I wonder if the same principle might be true for language. Having formal rules how to address someone might make it easier to do the right thing and not having to waste brain power on something like that.