THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO CONSUMPTION

Theoretical Approaches to Consumption



Theoretical Approaches to Consumption

Thorstein Veblen

The first work on the social distinction through consumption is due to Thorstein Veblen. According to Veblen, there is leisure and conspicuous consumption. Thus, Veblen is the first author to defend the phenomena of consumption, which depends on the social structure, and not the needs of nature.

Thus in Veblen's "Theory of the Leisure Class" (1899), Veblen believes that "conspicuous consumption" is a sign of prestige of the leisure class (Corrigan 1997, Pp. 17-21). For Veblen, this standard of" conspicuous consumption "held by the leisure class was a powerful force ...