Social analyst Thorstein Veblen believed that we buy things to create ________.This means we use our purchases to inspire envy in others through our display of wealth or power.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thorstein Veblen coined the term "invidious distinction" to refer to the tendency of individuals to use their purchases to create envy in others, highlighting their own wealth or power. The other choices are related concepts, but do not directly relate to Veblen's idea. Affluenza refers to the negative psychological effects of consumerism, status crystallization refers to the stability of one's social class over time, and cultural capital refers to the intangible assets (e.g. knowledge, skills, education) that confer social status.

Social Analyst Thorstein Veblen Believed That We Buy Things to Create