Classic Novels Library

The Theory of the Leisure Class

The Theory of the Leisure Class

by Veblen, Thorstein, 1857-1929

BookID: 833

Language:English

Reading Level:Reading ease score: 37.5 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Copyright Status:Public domain in the USA.

SociologyLeisure class

Description

"The Theory of the Leisure Class" by Thorstein Veblen is an economic and sociological work published in 1899. Veblen introduces the concept of conspicuous leisure—the practice of displaying wealth and status through visible idleness rather than productivity. He traces how the wealthy classes throughout history have showcased their power by abstaining from labor, employing servants, and consuming time unproductively. The work examines how this behavior validates inequality and shapes social hierarchies across stratified societies. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Class:HB: Social sciences: Economic theory, Demography

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