Theory of the Leisure Class, The by VEBLEN, Thors

DVBIC presents an audio adaptation of Theory of the Leisure Class, The by VEBLEN, Thors, bringing Thorstein Veblen's seminal 1899 work to life. This isn't a dry economic lecture; it's an exploration of a book that fundamentally changed how we view wealth and status. Veblen, a Norwegian-American economist writing from the University of Chicago, crafted what is widely regarded as the first major critique of consumer culture, arguing that our economic choices are less about practical need and more about deep-seated social instincts rooted in prehistoric times. In this podcast, you'll hear his concepts of "conspicuous consumption" and "pecuniary emulation" unpacked, ideas that remain startlingly relevant as they dissect the unspoken rules of social stratification and display. The narration delves into how leisure and the deliberate avoidance of useful work became markers of elite status, and how our purchasing habits are often performances for an audience rather than acts of utility. Each episode allows listeners to engage with Veblen's provocative thesis that the machinery of modern economic life is powered by ancient, symbolic drives. For anyone curious about the hidden social forces behind everyday spending, fashion, and even leisure activities themselves, this series offers a timeless and critical lens. Tune in to a podcast that goes beyond the surface of economics to examine the rituals and displays that define class.