#2447

Mentioned in 11 episodes

The Theory of the Leisure Class

An Economic Study of Institutions

Book • 2013

Thorstein Veblen

In 'The Theory of the Leisure Class', Thorstein Veblen presents a critical analysis of the social and economic behaviors of the upper class, arguing that economic life is driven by social vestiges from pre-historic times rather than by notions of utility.

Veblen introduces concepts such as 'conspicuous consumption', 'pecuniary superiority', and 'vicarious leisure', highlighting how the leisure class demonstrates its economic superiority through non-productive activities and the display of wealth.

The book challenges contemporary economic theories by emphasizing the role of social and cultural factors in shaping economic behaviors and critiques the wasteful and exploitative nature of the leisure class's activities.

Mentioned by

Elizabeth Currid-Halkett

Michael Silverblatt

Natasha Joukovsky

Mentioned in 11 episodes

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

when discussing sociological frameworks for understanding luxury beliefs.

#748 - Rob Henderson - How Privileged Thinking Drives Our Entire Culture

Mentioned by

Melvyn Bragg

in the introduction of the podcast.

The Theory of the Leisure Class

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

in relation to luxury beliefs and the historical display of status through goods.

Rob Henderson - Luxury Beliefs: How Elites Exploit the Poor

Mentioned by

David Mamet

while discussing the state of higher education.

Victor Davis Hanson Interviews David Mamet

Mentioned by

Natasha Joukovsky

in a discussion about status and social media.

Natasha Joukovsky — On Recursion, Status Games & Manufactured Nonchalance (EP.268)

Mentioned as the focus of the episode, exploring his ideas on modern culture and capitalism.

115 | Modern Barbarism with Thorstein Veblen

Referenced by

Ben Kizemchuk

, suggesting social media influencers and podcasters are the leisure class of the future.

Portfolio Manager Ben Kizemchuk: Stop using 20th century investment models in a 21st century market

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

as the economist who wrote about how elites exhibit status with material goods.

22 Life Changing Psychology Insights - Dr Rob Henderson

Mentioned by

Chris Hedges

as an important book that gets the pathology of the ruling class.

Why You Should Hate the Rich Even More (w/ Rob Larson)

Mentioned by

Cameron Abadi

as earning a lot of attention and popularizing the phrase conspicuous consumption.

Heterodox Economists: Thorstein Veblen

Recommended by

Peter Singer

to illustrate how many possessions of wealthy people are status symbols.

Peter Singer On Being Part Of The Solution

Mentioned by

David Guignion

as an author worth reading, particularly his book "The Theory of the Leisure Class."

Jean Baudrillard's "For a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign" (First Half)

Mentioned by

Gav

when discussing economists as case studies in the positives of immigration.

Season 8 - Episode 1 - Herbert Simon

Mentioned by

Elizabeth Currid-Halkett

when discussing Veblen goods and their role in signaling social status.

How Whole Foods, yoga, and NPR became the hallmarks of the elite

Mentioned by

Michael Silverblatt

in relation to the main character's name and themes of the book.

Elizabeth McKenzie: The Portable Veblen

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

when discussing Thorstein Veblen's work on social class and conspicuous consumption.

How Elites Hurt the Poor With Terrible Ideas - Rob Henderson

Mentioned by

Justin Tosi

as a book about the lame practices of the leisure class.

#221 - Justin Tosi - The Abuse Of Moral Talk For Self Promotion

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner