April 26, 2011
In Brief: The term conspicuous consumption entered the sociological lexicon via Thorstein Veblen’s analysis of the spending patterns of the rich and nouveau riches in the late nineteenth century. The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) is an account of how these groups spent enormous energy and money constructing an ostentatious style of life. They built and decorated ornate homes, adorned their persons with clothing and jewelry, designed elaborate carriages, and employed large numbers of servants dressed in expensive uniforms. Throughout, the principles of waste, luxury, and ornamentation ruled the choices they made. The motive that animated their efforts was the desire for social esteem, which itself was dependent on the possession of wealth. But having money was not enough. It must be put “in evidence,” or become conspicuous. Extended Reading: Conspicuous Consumption, on Wikipedia Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen, eBook on Project Gutenberg

In Brief: The term conspicuous consumption entered the sociological lexicon via Thorstein Veblen’s analysis of the spending patterns of the rich and nouveau riches in the late nineteenth century. The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) is an account of how these groups spent enormous energy and money constructing an ostentatious style of life. They built and decorated ornate homes, adorned their persons with clothing and jewelry, designed elaborate carriages, and employed large numbers of servants dressed in expensive uniforms.

Throughout, the principles of waste, luxury, and ornamentation ruled the choices they made. The motive that animated their efforts was the desire for social esteem, which itself was dependent on the possession of wealth. But having money was not enough. It must be put “in evidence,” or become conspicuous.

Extended Reading:

(Source: escroto)

1:56pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZuwNYy4dgsXZ
(Notes: 513)
  
Filed under: conspicuous consumption 
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    Everything is fine. Keep shopping.
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    This reminded me...most expensive yacht...world case which...
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    everything is fine. keep shopping. | via
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    hell yeah!
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    retail therapy.
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