The Theory of the Leisure Class · Question
How does The Theory of the Leisure Class develop the theme of Invidious Comparison?
Answer
The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen develops Invidious Comparison across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Social standing and self-worth are established through a constant process of invidious comparison, where individuals judge themselves and others based on relative wealth, consumption, and freedom from productive work, reinforcing class distinctions.
Veblen explains how the instinct of workmanship leads to invidious comparison of persons, where visible success and trophies become the basis of esteem, distinguishing exploit from drudgery.
The process of rating persons by relative worth, which underlies the motive for accumulation and the social value of property.
The invidious purpose behind leisure-class festivities and consumption is highlighted; even activities with ostensible non-invidious motives (e.g., religious, recreational) serve to compare and rank individuals.
Evidence in the book
- Introductory
Veblen explains how the instinct of workmanship leads to invidious comparison of persons, where visible success and trophies become the basis of esteem, distinguishing exploit from drudgery.
- II: Pecuniary Emulation
The process of rating persons by relative worth, which underlies the motive for accumulation and the social value of property.
- Conspicuous Consumption
The invidious purpose behind leisure-class festivities and consumption is highlighted; even activities with ostensible non-invidious motives (e.g., religious, recreational) serve to compare and rank individuals.
- V: The Pecuniary Standard of Living
Invidious comparison is the psychological mechanism behind emulation, as each class envies and emulates the class above it, setting the standard of living.
- The Belief in Luck
The desire to heighten one's ascendency through wagers and the emulative impulse behind betting are linked to invidious comparison.
- Survivals of the Non-Invidious Interests
The canons of decent life are described as an elaboration of invidious comparison, which systematically inhibits non-invidious effort and inculcates a self-regarding attitude.
