The Theory of the Leisure Class

In "The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions," Thorstein Veblen critiques consumerism and economic structures through the lens of social stratification and the division of labor. Written in 1899, this seminal work draws on the traditions of economic theorists like Adam Smith, offering insights into the interplay between economics and societal behavior. It stands as a classic contribution to both economic theory and social history.