Question

Que. This question asks you to combine the ideas of two of the sociologists we have discussed. Karl Marx claims that the bourgeoisie use all possible techniques to keep the proletariat “down” and to keep them from getting ahead. Veblen believed that pecuniary emulation and conspicuous consumption led individuals to spend more money than they should (or more than they had) in order to be viewed by others as “having money”. Provide an example of conspicuous consumption then explain how this activity could be viewed as furthering the goals of the bourgeoisie at the expense of the proletariat.

(Answer need to be in softcopy only)

Answer 1

One of the most important factors about Veblen’s theory is that individuals spend more than they have which directly relates to the purchase of things in instalments in order to remain socially fit. People compare them with others in terms of materials and try to buy as much as they could in order to become socially acceptable. This helped the companies and their owners to introduce the instalment scheme where people could buy things and pay in monthly instalments. People, although they had no money at the time of purchasing started buying things because they can have things without paying the whole amount for the product. The owners of the companies also started instilling the mind-set among the people by advertising that without these products people are not civilized. They used all the means to exploit people and this also increased their sales and profit.

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