The Theory of the Leisure Class · Theme
Invidious Comparison
How The Theory of the Leisure Class develops Invidious Comparison.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.