The Theory of the Leisure Class

Name: The Theory of the Leisure Class
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ISBN: 9781025372211

Thorstein Veblen

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English

Tradd Street Press
14 February 2026

Social classes; Social theory; Economic theory & philosophy

Summary
Details

""The Theory of the Leisure Class"" by Thorstein Veblen is a foundational text in sociology and economics that introduces the influential concept of ""conspicuous consumption."" In this seminal work, Veblen examines the social and economic behaviors of the upper class, arguing that their pursuit of status through wasteful spending and unproductive activity serves to demonstrate wealth rather than meet functional needs.

Veblen explores how the ""leisure class"" influences the aspirations of lower social strata, creating a ripple effect of emulation that shapes modern consumer society. He applies an evolutionary perspective to human institutions, analyzing how primitive instincts of prowess have transformed into modern financial competition and the display of pecuniary strength. This classic treatise provides a sharp critique of status-seeking and the social stratification of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Readers will find a profound exploration of how social hierarchy is maintained through the public display of wealth and the avoidance of manual labor. ""The Theory of the Leisure Class"" remains a vital resource for understanding the psychological underpinnings of economic life and the persistent nature of social classes in the modern world.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

By: Thorstein Veblen
Imprint: Tradd Street Press
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 590g
ISBN: 9781025372211
ISBN 10: 1025372212
Pages: 424
Publication Date: 14 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active