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Theory Of The Leisure Class Analysis

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Thornstein Veblen and the Theory of the Leisure Class
Thorstein Bunde Veblen was a 19th century Norwegian-American economist and sociologist who attained a degree of reputation thanks to his critique of Capitalism, especially after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the ensuing period of Great Depression. Veblen published his most prominent work, “The Theory of the Leisure Class” in 1899, in which he married Darwinism to Sociology to present a concept of evolutionary development of human institutions; in short, he preached that social behavior is governed by institutions that reflect humanity’s evolution.
In his book, Veblen has divided the society in two broad strata: the common people and the “leisure class” which has enough financial means …show more content…
However, life is more than just a vicious cycle of producing and consuming; unlike cattle, which live to graze and produce milk, humans cannot live on bread alone (Mat. 4:4 KJV). Certainly, good manners, fine arts, religion, and devout observances might make zero direct sense in dollars; however, they provide meaning and purpose in life. Furthermore, it can be argued that these were indirect but extremely potent forces that moved economy and science forward. For example, building religious edifices—whether pyramids or cathedrals—it enticed people to circulate their stashed savings in the market by employing engineers, craftsmen, and artisans (Gies & Gies, 1995). Closing, it should be noted that Veblen lived most of his adult life as an NEET and, thus, it is rather curious that he should be the one talking about unproductive “conspicuous …show more content…
(2011, 10 10). Aristotle Onassis (1906–1975). Retrieved from Biography: https://www.biography.com/people/aristotle-onassis-9428627
Gies, F., & Gies, J. (1995). Cathedral, Forge, and Waterwheel: Technology and Invention in the Middle Ages. Harperperennial.
Huddleston, C. (2016, 9 19). 69% of Americans Have Less Than $1,000 in Savings. Retrieved from GOBankingRates: https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/data-americans-savings/
Krauss, S. (2015, 11 17). Four Signs that Someone is Probably Insecure. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201511/4-signs-someone-is-probably-insecure
Mason, J. (2015, 10 19). Donald Trump's Grandfather Made His Fortune Selling Booze to Miners. Retrieved from History Buff: http://historybuff.com/donald-trumps-grandfather-made-his-fortune-selling-miners-booze-and-whores-WBlmAP4A2Yr9
Munzenrieder, K. (2017, 5 26). Melania Trump Keeps Wearing Dolce & Gabbana, and Stefano Gabbana Doesn't Mind If You Boycott. Retrieved from wmagazine: http://www.newsjs.com/url.php?p=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/melania-trump-dolce-and-gabbana-stefano-gabbana-
Veblen, T. (1899). The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study in the Evolution of Institutions.

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