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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Pecuniary Canons of Taste.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What are signs of vicarious consumption?
(a) Making loans to workers.
(b) Volunteering among the poor.
(c) Costume and dress of servants.
(d) Open air markets for servants.

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

4. What does Veblen say is the motive for ownership?
(a) Possessiveness.
(b) Competitiveness.
(c) Emulation.
(d) Envy.

5. Why do people spend more than they need for physical comfort?
(a) They conform to a code of decency.
(b) They want to impress their superiors.
(c) They cannot keep excess wealth.
(d) They need to stimulate their local economy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Veblen say public lawns have?

2. How does Veblen say the laboring classes in an agricultural society see work?

3. What employments did upper-class people in Iceland and Polynesia work in?

4. How must a man of leisure act?

5. What standard does Veblen say guides people's behavior?

(see the answer key)

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