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Re-reading Veblen: Consumption Society and Leisure Identity

This study analyzes the meaning of leisure consumption in the consumptionoriented society by reexamining the conspicious consumption theory of Thorstein Veblen. Veblen insists that the leisure class spends a great deal of money based on ostentatious principle of prodigality to acquire social respect. In this progress, behavioral principle, preference, and tastes of the leisure class expands into those of all classes. As a consequence, the lower classes imitate behavioral patterns of the leisure class. This study emphasize the consumption function as a mean to express one’s identity by providing people behavioral principle. Even though Veblen' theory of leisure class outdated a little, it is still very useful in understanding people's leisure behavior in many respects.