The Theory of the Leisure Class

The Theory of the Leisure Class, by sociologist Thorstein Veblen, explains how some people seek social status through displays of wealth and leisure rather than productive work. It argues that the upper class uses luxurious goods and leisure activities as a way to demonstrate their social superiority, leading to a cycle where these displays become more about status than practical value. This behavior influences societal values, encouraging consumption and superficial distinctions, often at the expense of efficiency and genuine achievement. Essentially, it critiques how societal structures reward conspicuous consumption as a marker of social prestige.