Veblen and George 221Although wealth is an important factor in pecuniary emula
tion, there are other characteristics of the leisure class that are
examined and mimicked. The leisure class establishes certain
norms and mores in addition to a certain standard of wealth that
is considered minimal. Particular types of dress display wealth
and indicate that the wearer is not engaged in physical labor.
Certain sports, foods, drinks, and other activities are used by the
leisure class and become the standard that the common man
seeks to emulate.
Two of Veblen’s most interesting concepts are the theories of
conspicuous leisure and conspicuous consumption. The leisure
class, Veblen asserts, is not satisfied in having attained a status
which affords them leisure time; they can enjoy it only if it is
conspicuously flaunted or demonstrated to the lower classes.
Nor is the mere acquisition of wealth enough; it must be spent in
such a way as to demonstrate the user’s total unconcern for value
and function.
The concept of conspicuous leisure, according to Veblen,
requires an understanding of his definition of “leisure.” Leisure
is not time spent in relaxation or rest, rather it is the “non
productive consumption of time.” As Veblen states, “Time is
consumed non-productively (1) from a sense of the unworthi
ness of productive work, and (2) as an evidence of pecuniary
ability to afford a life of idleness.” This requires that leisure time
be spent in socially useless activities. Also, time taken for
ceremonial reasons adds to the satisfaction of the members of the
leisure class— the grand display of time to waste.
In addition to the many types of leisure activities that the
wealthy develop to demonstrate their power, there is the system
of vicarious leisure. Formerly the the use of slaves, now the use
of servants and women, are important in order to exhibit the
extent of leisure the wealthy have. The sole aim of a servant is
to wait upon the needs of the master. Because they are not
performing an industrially useful function, these servants are
technically at “leisure.” The maintenance of servants who pro
duce nothing, but serve another’s whims, reflects back upon the
master who receives the reward for the waste of their labor. This
is called conspicuous waste; conspicuous waste and conspicu
ous consumption are condoned by society because it demon
strates the success of those who excel at those predatory activi