The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen
An Economic Study of Institutions
This book is a socio-economic critique of American consumerism and the upper class, written in the late 19th century. The author argues that the wealthy engage in conspicuous consumption and leisure to display their wealth and maintain their social status. He introduces the concept of "pecuniary emulation," suggesting that the lower classes imitate the consumption patterns of those above them, leading to a wasteful and inefficient economy. The book is a seminal work in the field of economics, providing a satirical yet insightful look into the behavior of the affluent.
The 934th greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1899
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 250-300
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 5 lists:
- 101 of the World's Greatest Books (1950) (101 of the World's Greatest Books (Book))
- Best Books (Fiction, Prose) : Experts Choose Their Favourites (The Book "Best Books")
- Ezra Klein Show's Most Recommended Books (Ezra Klein Show)
- Great Books of the Western World (Great Books Foundation)
- The New York Public Library's Books of the Century (New York Public Library)