The phrase "more leisure class" is spelled using the traditional English spelling system. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /mɔː leʒə(r) klas/. The "m" and "r" sounds are clearly pronounced, followed by a long "o" sound in "more" represented by the symbol "ɔː". The next syllable "leis" is pronounced with a "zh" sound represented by the symbol "ʒ", followed by a short "ə" sound in the middle. The final syllable "ure" is pronounced with a long "u" sound represented by the symbol "uː", followed by a short "r" sound, and finally "class" is pronounced as "klas".
The term "more leisure class" refers to a concept coined by sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his book "The Theory of the Leisure Class." The more leisure class can be understood as a subgroup of society that is characterized by their access to increased amounts of free time and a heightened ability to engage in non-productive activities.
Contrasting the conventional notion of the working class, the more leisure class is often associated with the wealthy and privileged members of society who have ample resources and do not depend on physical labor for their livelihood. This class is distinguished by their ability to engage in activities solely for the purpose of personal enjoyment, rather than for practical purposes or economic gain.
Members of the more leisure class often manifest their prestige and status through conspicuous consumption, indulging in luxurious items, experiences, and leisurely pursuits. They frequently partake in activities such as recreational travel, fine dining, cultural events, and hobbies that require neither effort nor immediate practical value. This class is seen as having excess resources and time to devote to non-essential activities and maintaining a certain level of social prestige.
Veblen's concept of the more leisure class was developed as a critique of the early 20th century capitalist society and its obsession with materialism and social stratification. It highlighted the growing divide between the wealthy, privileged class and the working class, pointing out the disparities in access to leisure time and the cultural implications of such dynamics.