\u201cThe Theory of the Leisure Class\u201d, written by Thorstein Veblen, was a piece written from observations on the effects of capitalism of the leisure class. Veblen mentions that the only purpose for the wealthy\/leisure class is to consume. Veblen sees this type of lifestyle as a waste. He does not say it out right but Veblen looks at this time period as a sort of step back in terms of society and not a step forward. Veblen makes a mockery of the clothing as well as the language of those in wealthy positions.<\/p>\n
In the second excerpt from chapter 7, Veblen talks about the dress of the leisure class and how that shows to the others they have status in society.[i]<\/a> \u201cOne portion of the servant class, chiefly those persons whose occupation is vicarious leisure, come to undertake a new, subsidiary range of duties–the vicarious consumption of goods\u201d.[ii]<\/a> This quote shows Veblen saying that the main purpose for the leisure class is consumption. Veblen also talks about how one can look like they are in a leisure class just by the way they choose to dress. This gives the illusion of a lower person in society appearing as a member of a higher class. With dress being an area of focus for Veblen, he focuses on language as well.<\/p>\n Just as dress is a way to show status so is language. Those in the leisure class who use old\/classic English are showing they have higher status within society and are better than those below them.[iii]<\/a> He also mentions that since the leisure class speaks classic English, they spent their lives doing work other than useful.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a> The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899<\/p>\n [ii]<\/a> The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899<\/p>\n [iii]<\/a> The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cThe Theory of the Leisure Class\u201d, written by Thorstein Veblen, was a piece written from observations on the effects of capitalism of the leisure class. Veblen mentions that the only purpose for the wealthy\/leisure class is to consume. Veblen sees … Continue reading