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Conspicuous Consumption

In: English and Literature

Submitted By beth1023
Words 405
Pages 2
As quoted in “Veblen’s The Theory of the Leisure Class Conspicuous Consumption”. “In what has been said of the evolution of the vicarious leisure class and its differentiation from the general body of the working classes, reference has been made to a further division of labor that between the different servant classes. One portion of the servant class, chiefly those persons whose occupation is vicarious leisure, come to undertake a new, subsidiary range of duties—the vicarious consumption of goods. The most obvious form in which this consumption occurs is seen in the wearing of liveries and the occupation of spacious servants' quarters. Another, scarcely less obtrusive or less effective form of vicarious consumption, and a much more widely prevalent one, is the consumption of food, clothing, dwelling, and furniture by the lady and the rest of the domestic establishment”. In many ways modern society demands for humans to look good nice clothes, neat footwear, and a well-groomed body are all necessary for success and respect in life. You are treated in a different way depending on the way you look. Sometimes it is a crucial point of your successful career, personal relations and general positive perception. An important part in the appearance of a person plays his /her clothes. That is why nowadays, just like in the past, clothing is such a highly appreciated human value .But people often overestimate the values of things. The upper society is influenced by the concept of conspicuous consumption in many aspects of life. They do and purchase things just to show off, without understanding their real values. Among the examples of conspicuous consumption is the habit of buying extremely expensive clothes. The value of closing is a utility that is compromised by the fashion trends and conspicuous consumption. Around the world some people buy expensive designers clothes

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