{"product_id":"book-ikcd","title":"The Theory of the Leisure Class","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"The Theory of the Leisure Class\" is a book written by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. The book is a seminal work of economic sociology and a critique of the consumption-driven culture of the late 19th century United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeblen's central thesis is that the upper class, or the \"leisure class,\" engages in conspicuous consumption as a way of displaying their social status and wealth. This behavior, he argues, is not only wasteful and unproductive but also harmful to society as a whole, as it perpetuates a culture of inequality and social stratification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeblen also discusses the role of technology in shaping society, arguing that the development of machines and industrial processes has led to the emergence of a new class of technocrats who control the means of production and wield significant power over the rest of society.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, \"The Theory of the Leisure Class\" is a critical examination of the social and economic structures that shape modern society. It remains a landmark work in the field of economic sociology and has had a profound influence on the study of consumption, social stratification, and the role of technology in society\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"INAudio","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49414201770288,"sku":"BDikcd","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/ikcd-Square-cover.jpg?v=1773586289","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-ikcd","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}