Question

Based on Veblen’s Theory of the Leisure Class, how is work and consumption the basis of domination?

Answer 1

Consumption and Work is a basis of dominance in Veblen's theory. He introduced the term conspicuous consumption.

As proposed by Thorstein Veblen in the 19th century, conspicuous consumption (spending money to buy goods and services for their own sake) explains the psychological mechanics of a consumer society, and the increase in the number and the types of the goods and services that people consider necessary to and for their lives in a developed economy.

The concept of conspicuous consumption can be illustrated by considering the motivation to drive a luxury car rather than an economy car. Any make of car provides transport to a destination, but the use of a luxury car additionally draws attention to the apparent affluence of the driver. The benefit of conspicuous consumption can be situated within the idea, postulated by economists, that consumers derive “utility” from the consumption of goods. Veblen identified two distinct characteristics of goods as providing utility. The first is what he called the “serviceability” of the good—in other words, that the good gets the job done (e.g., luxury and economy cars are equally able to get to a given destination). The other characteristic of a good is what Veblen called its “honorific” aspect. Driving a luxury car shows that the consumer can afford to drive an automobile that others may admire; that admiration comes not primarily from the car’s ability to get the job done but from the visible evidence of wealth it provides. The vehicle is thus an outward display of one’s status in society.