LEISURE CLASS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "leisure class" refers to a social group or category of individuals within a society who possess substantial wealth or inherited privilege and are able to dedicate a significant amount of time to leisure activities and pursuits. This concept was introduced by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his well-known book, "The Theory of the Leisure Class," published in 1899.
Members of the leisure class typically do not engage in physically demanding or laborious work, as their financial resources afford them the luxury of living comfortably without the need for constant employment. Instead, they often engage in activities that are perceived as luxurious or prestigious, such as indulging in hobbies, traveling, attending social events, or participating in sports and recreational activities.
Moreover, the consumption patterns of the leisure class are often conspicuous, meant to display their wealth and social status. This includes purchasing high-end goods and services, living in upscale neighborhoods, and engaging in conspicuous leisure pursuits to signal their elite position in society.
The leisure class is often contrasted with the working class or the lower socioeconomic groups who may not have the same resources or opportunities for extensive leisure. The concept of the leisure class sheds light on the social inequalities that exist within societies, highlighting how economic disparities shape access to leisure time and activities.
Common Misspellings for LEISURE CLASS
- keisure class
- peisure class
- oeisure class
- lwisure class
- lsisure class
- ldisure class
- lrisure class
- l4isure class
- l3isure class
- leusure class
- lejsure class
- leksure class
- leosure class
- le9sure class
- le8sure class
- leiaure class
- leizure class
- leixure class
- leidure class
- leieure class
Etymology of LEISURE CLASS
The term "leisure class" was coined by the American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1899 book called "The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions". However, the concept of a leisure class predates Veblen's book, and he drew on existing ideas and observations in his analysis.
The word "leisure" comes from the Old French "leisir", which ultimately stems from the Latin word "licere", meaning "to be allowed". It initially referred to a state of freedom or permission from obligations or work.
Veblen used the term "leisure class" to describe a social class characterized by its members' ability to engage in leisure activities and conspicuous consumption without the necessity of productive work. He argued that this class emerged as a result of the development of wealth and division of labor in industrialized societies.
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