# Institutional Conservatism in The Theory of the Leisure Class

> Theme guide for The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen.

The leisure class acts as a conservative force in society, as its sheltered position from economic pressures allows archaic habits of thought, predatory traits, and outdated institutions to persist, retarding social and industrial adaptation.

## Where it surfaces

- [Industrial Exemption and Conservatism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/chapters/viii-industrial-exemption-and-conservatism): The leisure class is presented as the primary vehicle of institutional conservatism, instinctively resisting change and preserving obsolescent ways of life, with its conservatism acquiring honorific value as a mark of respectability.
- [The Conservation of Archaic Traits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/chapters/ix-the-conservation-of-archaic-traits): The leisure class acts as a conservative force, retarding adaptation to modern industrial life and preserving archaic traits through inheritance and tradition.
- [X: Modern Survivals of Prowess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/chapters/x-modern-survivals-of-prowess): The leisure class acts as a conservative force, preserving archaic habits and ideals from the predatory age, including the martial spirit and the institution of the duel.
- [Devout Observances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/chapters/xii-devout-observances): The leisure class and women are described as conservative forces, preserving archaic devotional habits against the secularizing influence of industry.
- [The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/chapters/xiv-the-higher-learning-as-an-expression-of-the-pecuniary): Veblen highlights the conservative and reactionary nature of higher learning institutions, which preserve archaic traits such as religious observances, ritualistic practices, and a preference for classical over scientific knowledge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/themes/institutional_conservatism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_the_leisure_class_se/themes