Conspicuous consumption
Conspicuous consumption is a 1899 by Thorstein Veblen introduced and on his " Theory of the Leisure " (The Theory Of The Leisure Class) back to sociological term for flashy, goal forming on public activities, goods (comparable ) consumption forming activity ( conspicuous consumption ).
As a " demonstrative consumption " targets the public from consuming it, to show what you can not afford anything ( to flaunt, to brag, to show off ); thus the social status is to be displayed or increased. It can therefore be considered as a form of display behavior by the status icons.
Historically, leaves conspicuous consumption to the early history be stated, in Europe, he was particularly pronounced in the Baroque monarchies. Only in the light of then prevailing bourgeois and especially Puritan, seen on simplicity counterculture ( soli deo gloria ) it was particularly the vicious, later attributed to the so-called " new rich ".
Behind the conspicuous consumption is usually a value system that assumes that one's social prestige mainly depends on the material standard of living.
In contrast, in other social contexts (eg frequently among intellectuals, in the alternative, motion or in circles of the so-called Bohème ) other values considered relevant for his own reputation, such as education, creativity, or individual life plan ( post-materialism ).
Historical development of the validity consumption
Veblen focuses in his investigation, though the particular issues of the validity of consumption in modern societies, but this looks even at " predatory culture ". These are characterized by a superclass physically superior men, among whom the unproductive consumption of various foods and drinks, including alcohol and narcotics, are considered honorable. In earlier stages of culture the damage caused by the consumption Affliction press also made of a high status. In these cultivars the same women slaves. Wasteful consumption remains denied to them, they may only consumed whatever they need to continue their work, although they produce the goods that the men need for conspicuous consumption. An exception is the case where the consumption of a woman her master brings comfort or prestige. The same is true for lower strata of society, which also only allowed to consume what they need to work. Since the production of luxury goods is not particularly strong, the waste of time and effort, so the point of leisure, is of particular importance. The offices, in the widest sense to do with the field of activity of the upper classes, such as fighting, hunting, or the care of war equipment are considered noble.
The transition to a more peaceful culture stage is characterized by the proliferation of private property, paid work performance and smaller household farms. The progressive social change makes the class boundaries more and more disappear, the abolition of slavery and serfdom down the significance of the conspicuous leisure disappear simultaneously loses the work their nefarious character and is revalued. It develops an aversion to any waste and futility. These paradoxical requirements are solved by demonstrative leisure is always disguised as productive and useful. Among Veblen summarizes various activities of women in the bourgeois household or emerging company obligations, such as the establishment of charities by American millionaires, including the fight against maladministration is just an excuse for conspicuous consumption. Since in modern societies the means of communication become more efficient and the mobility increases, wins the demonstrative waste of goods in importance. To be effective, the financial strength of an individual must be written on his forehead are possible. Due to the higher mobility and the consequent increased attractiveness of consumption to Veblen explained that the average income in the city is indeed higher than in the countryside, the city dwellers but rather from the live hand to mouth than rural residents.
Term field
There are a variety of largely the same significant terms that are listed separately because of its scale here: conspicuous consumption, representation, consumption, conspicuous consumption, conspicuous consumption, ostentatious consumption, prestige effect, Vebleneffekt or double consommation ostentatoire. The snob effect emphasizes the uniqueness of the consumed good.
Economics
The Vebleneffekt is a statement that the amount of demand may also rise to the goods, if its price rises ( and not, as expectable, falls ).
This asserts that consumers consume a good precisely because of its high price. That is, a particular good is not considered exclusive enough because of its low price.