The Theory of the Leisure Class

Someone once defined a classic book as one that everyone says he wants to read, but nobody you know actually ever has. There are lots of books like that on my gotta-read list, but I picked up a new one yesterday at the library after hearing a "best beach reads" review on NPR's Marketplace program: "The Theory of the Leisure Class," by Thorstein Veblen. You can read it online or download a copy here if you like.

Mr Veblen argues, if I understand his basic concept before actually starting to read, that the idea of division of labor led to the development of status classes based on the perceived value and utility of the labor performed. At the top of the heap was what he referred to as the leisure class - those who were high enough in the social order that they needed to do only symbolic or prestigious work, and who had accumulated sufficient wealth to be able to live an easy life. This life was marked by conspicuous leisure (demonstrating that they had plenty of time to relax while others labored), and conspicuous consumption (demonstrating that they had plenty of money or other resources to waste on ostentatious displays of personal accumulation of worldly goods).

This is a very brief (and possibly inaccurate) summary of a book I haven't begun to read yet, but the radio review got me to thinking about the ideas of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous leisure. Although Mr Veblen developed his theories in the late 1800's, the era of the super-rich "Robber Barons," the concept of conspicuous consumption is clearly borne out today by such things as the enormous McMansion homes that sell for stratospheric amounts (or did, prior to the housing meltdown). Who buys these gigantic homes, and the Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars, and Cadillacs in their driveways? Certainly not janitors, fry cooks, bus drivers, or young professionals just starting their careers and families...must be Mr Veblen's leisure class. As for conspicuous leisure, there are plenty of country clubs, resorts, and super-expensive restaurants here in DC where people can be seen being seen.

I'm looking forward to reading the book, because it looks like a fascinating insight into the things I see around me every day. It might be nice to someday be a member of that Leisure Class about which Mr Veblen writes...but then again, I kind of like being one of the Real People.

But a guy can dream, can't he?

Have a good day. Try to catch yourself a little leisure. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo