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Thorstein Veblen's The Theory Of The Leisure Class

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Thorstein Veblen's, The Theory of the Leisure Class, specifically analyzing chapters nine and ten resulted in a deeper realization of the affect socioeconomics had on society's leisure participants and their characteristics. Dissecting chapter nine, The Conservation of Archaic Traits, allows the reader to intake Veblen's interpretation of the meaning behind different characteristics and how they are looked at in society. Throughout the chapter, there is multiple discussions of pecuniary emulation, which in today's societal terms defined as money hungry. Getting the impression members of society battling for higher class positions was a beneficial contribution to the economy, Veblen reflected the importance of conserving this aspect. However, characteristics of these men contributed …show more content…

The meaning behind acceptable ownership and how these goods can further the track to higher social class is furthered discussed in chapter ten, The Modern Survivals of Prowess. The reason to purchase desired leisure accessories all belongs in the support for sporting in society, also displaying the predatory characteristic mentioned previously. Veblen's theory affirms, "...the spiritual traits which go with athletic sports are likewise economically advantageous to the individual, as contradistinguished from the interests of the collectively" (Veblen 160). Throughout the two chapters Veblen also states his theory is not fit for every situation in every society, but to be taken as a generalization. In sum, displaying predatorial traits shows the willingness to battle for higher social class and the competitiveness one would have to possess in order to obtain their position long term and as utilizing ownership ideals benefits society for economic purposes, human nature prevails and believes ownership is solely to benefit their social

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