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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Pecuniary Standard of Living.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the state of the leisure class in hunting cultures?
(a) It did not exist.
(b) It was highly developed, and hunters exploit the women for their labor.
(c) It was developing but still competing with the communal lifestyle.
(d) It existed only for the priests.

2. What does Veblen say comprises people's standard of living?
(a) Their habitual expenditures.
(b) Their debt.
(c) Their necessary consumption.
(d) Their luxuries.

3. What does Veblen say makes wealth desirable?
(a) It resolves disputes.
(b) It provides happiness.
(c) It gives renown.
(d) It is honorable.

4. How do standards of consumption change?
(a) Slower in societies with more social mobility.
(b) Faster in societies with less social mobility.
(c) Very slowly over time.
(d) They change with every season.

5. According to Veblen, property became a prerequisite for what?
(a) Starting a family.
(b) Reputation.
(c) Respect.
(d) Comfort.

Short Answer Questions

1. What force does Veblen say shapes the standard of living?

2. What does Veblen say happens to those who need to work but do not work?

3. What does Veblen say possessions indicate in an ownership society?

4. Where does Veblen say scholars fit in the social spectrum?

5. What kind of leisure is created by inheritance?

(see the answer key)

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