The Theory of the Leisure Class

"The Theory of the Leisure Class" is a book written by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. The book is a seminal work of economic sociology and a critique of the consumption-driven culture of the late 19th century United States.Veblen's central thesis is that the upper class, or the "leisure class," engages in conspicuous consumption as a way of displaying their social status and wealth. This behavior, he argues, is not only wasteful and unproductive but also harmful to society as a whole, as it perpetuates a culture of inequality and social stratification.Veblen also discusses the role of technology in shaping society, arguing that the development of machines and industrial processes has led to the emergence of a new class of technocrats who control the means of production and wield significant power over the rest of society.Overall, "The Theory of the Leisure Class" is a critical examination of the social and economic structures that shape modern society. It remains a landmark work in the field of economic sociology and has had a profound influence on the study of consumption, social stratification, and the role of technology in society