-The ostentatious costumes worn by guests, such as the one in the picture above, to Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt's 1883 extravagant ball reveals what sociologist Thorstein Veblen referred to as

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thorstein Veblen coined the term "conspicuous consumption" to describe the act of spending money on and acquiring luxury goods and services to publicly display economic power. The ostentatious costumes at Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt's 1883 ball exemplify this concept, as guests showcased their wealth and status through extravagant attire.

-The Ostentatious Costumes Worn by Guests, Such as the One