Which author argued that the wealthy engage in display rather than productive work in The Theory of the Leisure Class?

Which author argued that the wealthy engage in display rather than productive work in The Theory of the Leisure Class?

• A. Thorstein Veblen
• B. William James
• C. John Dewey
• D. Ida Tarbell

Answer: (A)

Think about how wealth is signaled in society. In The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen argues that the wealthy engage more in showing off their status than in producing value. He introduces the ideas of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous leisure—the display of expensive goods and idle time meant to prove social rank rather than contribute to productive work. This critique helps explain Progressive Era worries about inequality, social distinctions, and how consumer culture reinforces old hierarchies rather than creating progress. Other figures from the period were focused on different issues—William James on psychology and pragmatism, John Dewey on education and democracy, Ida Tarbell on exposing corporate power—so the argument about display over productive work comes from Veblen.

Think about how wealth is signaled in society. In The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen argues that the wealthy engage more in showing off their status than in producing value. He introduces the ideas of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous leisure—the display of expensive goods and idle time meant to prove social rank rather than contribute to productive work. This critique helps explain Progressive Era worries about inequality, social distinctions, and how consumer culture reinforces old hierarchies rather than creating progress. Other figures from the period were focused on different issues—William James on psychology and pragmatism, John Dewey on education and democracy, Ida Tarbell on exposing corporate power—so the argument about display over productive work comes from Veblen.