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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Belief in Luck.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Veblen define conspicuous consumption?
(a) An act of consumption that involves more than one person.
(b) The display of wealth in front of witnesses to wealth.
(c) Vulgar or unnecessary displays of wealth.
(d) A refined set of mannerisms displayed while consuming status symbols.

2. As leisure classes develop, whom do the marginal men of leisure in the lower ranks affiliate themselves with?
(a) The men of leisure in the higher ranks.
(b) The slaves.
(c) The upper-class women.
(d) The workers.

3. Vicarious consumption reflects whose standing?
(a) The slave's.
(b) The worker's.
(c) The servant's.
(d) The patron's.

4. How does a belief in luck have an effect on efficiency?
(a) It consumes time in speculation.
(b) It is a deviation from matter-of-fact sequences.
(c) It shifts people's attention to nonmaterial forces.
(d) It fills people with idle hopes.

5. What factor besides luck affects gambling on sports, according to Veblen?
(a) The ability to turn loss into a gambling victory.
(b) Pride in the strength of the winners.
(c) The prestige of the contestants.
(d) The omens that surround the game, such as the weather.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which temperament does Veblen say that gambling originates?

2. What does the belief in luck accompany?

3. What does Veblen say causes an item of clothing to be seen as inferior?

4. What does consumption yield to the individual?

5. To what agency does Veblen attribute industrial man's faith in luck?

(see the answer key)

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