The Leisure Class exercises Social Dominance from "summary" of Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen
The members of the leisure class are the ones who shape the social structure through their conspicuous consumption and extravagant displays of wealth. They exercise social dominance not through physical force or coercion, but through their ability to command admiration and emulation from the lower classes. By setting the standards of what is considered desirable and prestigious, they create a hierarchy where those who can afford to indulge in luxurious goods and services are seen as superior to those who cannot. This social dominance is maintained through a system of veblenian emulation, where individuals strive to imitate the behaviors and lifestyles of the leisure class in order to gain status and recognition. This emulation reinforces the power and influence of the leisure class, as their tastes and preferences become the norm for society as a whole. Those who are able to successfully emulate the leisure class are able to climb the social ladder and gain access to the privileges and benefits that come with membership in this exclusive group. At the same time, the leisure class also uses its social dominance to perpetuate its own position of privilege and wealth. They create barriers to entry for those who do not belong to their class, whether through exclusionary social practices or economic mechanisms that limit access to resources and opportunities. By maintaining these barriers, the leisure class ensures that their position at the top of the social hierarchy remains secure, and that their power and influence continue to grow. In this way, the leisure class exercises social dominance not through overt acts of aggression or force, but through the subtle mechanisms of cultural capital and social emulation. They shape the values and norms of society in a way that reinforces their own position of privilege and creates a system where their dominance is unquestioned. The concept of social dominance by the leisure class is a key aspect of Veblen's analysis of the role of conspicuous consumption in shaping social hierarchies and maintaining class distinctions.
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