The Theory of the Leisure Class

'The Theory of the Leisure Class' is a book written by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. The book is a seminal work of economic sociology and a critique of the consumption-driven culture of the late 19th century United States.

Veblen's central thesis is that the upper class, or the 'leisure class,' engages in conspicuous consumption as a way of displaying their social status and wealth. This behavior, he argues, is not only wasteful and unproductive but also harmful to society as a whole, as it perpetuates a culture of inequality and social stratification.

Veblen also discusses the role of technology in shaping society, arguing that the development of machines and industrial processes has led to the emergence of a new class of technocrats who control the means of production and wield significant power over the rest of society.

Overall, 'The Theory of the Leisure Class' is a critical examination of the social and economic structures that shape modern society. It remains a landmark work in the field of economic sociology and has had a profound influence on the study of consumption, social stratification, and the role of technology in society