Theory of the Leisure Class Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the conventional definition of consumption?

the goal of acquisition and accumulation (correct)

the act of using goods

the loss of wealth

the creation of goods

What is the conventional argument for the inevitability of consumption?

When wealth is amassed, it is eventually consumed by either the owner of the goods or by the household attached to him.

What does emulation refer to in the context of ownership?

The motive for ownership - confers honor and distinction.

What are the two definitions of ownership?

A human institution unrelated to survival and an incentive for the rich Signup and view all the answers

What is the never-ending nature of ownership?

With the development of society, standards of living beyond the normal person become the norm, thus further driving the acquisition of wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of consumerism?

Chronic dissatisfaction for the average individual Signup and view all the answers

What are the economic motives behind consumption?

The need to feel achievement and the repugnance at futility. Signup and view all the answers

How has the definition of purposeful effort transformed?

It is directed towards a more creditable showing of accumulated wealth Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the drive for primacy among the working class?

A drive for achievement - increase in frugality and industrious tendencies. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of the drive for primacy for the superior pecuniary class?

Pecuniary emulation supersedes diligence and thrift for the drive to not work. Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the value of leisure?

A reflex of the utility of leisure to gain respect from others. Signup and view all the answers

What are the elements of the hierarchy of leisure among men?

Higher and lower born aristocrats with more or less wealth establish a parasitic relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hierarchy of leisure among women characterized by?

Duties of the wife can be differentiated among servants, however, the retaining of the same culture leads to responsibility devolving onto the wife solely. Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of wasted effort imply for lower class households?

To hold up to pecuniary standards, the house of lower class households must exert wasted effort in cleaning and presentability. Signup and view all the answers

What means of showing wealth are discussed?

Wasting of time and effort, or wasting goods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Consumption Concepts

Consumption is defined as the goal of acquisition and accumulation of wealth.
Accumulated wealth inevitably leads to consumption by the owner or their household.

Emulation and Ownership

Emulation drives the motive for ownership, creating honor and distinction within a social structure.
Ownership exists as a human institution, distinct from basic survival needs, and serves as an incentive tied to the status of wealth.

Drive for Wealth

Societal development raises living standards, making excess consumption a norm, which perpetuates the desire for wealth.
Consumerism leads to chronic dissatisfaction among average individuals who desire to elevate their standards above the norm.

Economic Influences

Economic motives are rooted in the need for achievement and a distaste for futility.
Purposeful effort is increasingly directed toward showcasing accumulated wealth.

Class Dynamics

The working class exhibits a drive for achievement characterized by frugality and industriousness.
The superior pecuniary class favors pecuniary emulation over diligence, associating labor with inferiority.

Value of Leisure

Leisure holds value as it provides respect in society, distinguishing higher status from lower-servant class jobs.
Men of higher and lower birth establish hierarchies within leisure, often creating parasitic relationships to enhance social standing.

Gender Roles in Leisure

Women's duties can be differentiated among different servile roles, yet cultural retention results in the burdens of household responsibility falling predominantly on the wife.

Societal Expectations

Lower-class households expend wasted effort in maintaining appearance to meet societal pecuniary standards.
Means of showing wealth often involve the intentional wasting of time, effort, or goods to signify status.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Thorstein Veblen's 'Theory of the Leisure Class', focusing on definitions such as consumption, the inevitability of consumption, and emulation. Test your understanding of these economic theories and their implications on society.