In 1899 Thorstein Veblen wrote “The Theory of the Leisure Class” on his observation of division of labor; specifically the effect capitalism had on the upper\/leisure class. \u00a0As a child of immigrant parents being raised in Wisconsin, Veblen had trouble adjusting and felt isolated from the American way. \u00a0This detached\u00a0upbringing seems to have an impact on\u00a0the way he describes the leisure class, as he speaks as though he is on the outside of society looking in. \u00a0Veblen is very critical of the effects capitalism had on the leisure class and believed\u00a0it was\u00a0leading to regression rather than progression. His writing calls out those of the leisure class for\u00a0their over consumption of goods and their archaic values.<\/p>\n
Veblen starts off by describing how the leisure class has taken on the duty of “…the vicarious consumption of goods” ((The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899)). \u00a0It’s obvious that he is poking\u00a0fun at the wealthy, as he sees\u00a0that their only role in society is to buy the products the working class makes. \u00a0In a visual sense he is basically comparing\u00a0them to a parasite, as they received goods without contributing anything back to society. \u00a0Veblen goes on to describe the unnecessary waste of goods that go into how people\u00a0dress. \u00a0Dress is considered the easiest way to show others your class, as all observers will know your status at first glance ((The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899)) . \u00a0Veblen has trouble trying to fathom why\u00a0people give up life’s necessities just so they\u00a0can afford more expensive clothing. \u00a0The value of clothing is based on fashion, rather than their practical use which Veblen sees as unenlightened.<\/p>\n
After his rant on dress, Veblen decides to go after the very language used by the\u00a0leisure class. \u00a0Those of wealth practice classic English rather than the common tongue seen with the rest of society. \u00a0Just as dress shows class status, the use of old\/classic English shows that you are of an important, wealthy family. \u00a0Veblen describes the word “classic” as word that carries the “…connotation of wasteful and archaic” ((The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899)), implying that the use of classic English is simply inefficient and backwards.<\/p>\n
Do you agree with Veblen’s statement that the leisure class’ duty is only to consume products? \u00a0Why is there such an emphasis on class status during this time? \u00a0Do\u00a0we still stress importance on the way we dress\u00a0and speak\u00a0today?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 1899 Thorstein Veblen wrote “The Theory of the Leisure Class” on his observation of division of labor; specifically the effect capitalism had on the upper\/leisure class. \u00a0As a child of immigrant parents being raised in Wisconsin, Veblen had trouble … Continue reading