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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary Culture.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What principle does Veblen say guides the consumer's habits?
(a) Vicarious waste.
(b) Conspicuous waste.
(c) Conspicuous consumption.
(d) Vicarious consumption.

2. What distinguishes devout structures from other buildings?
(a) They are always open to the public.
(b) They are more comfortable.
(c) They are more ornate.
(d) They are less elaborate.

3. Whose traits does Veblen say the leisure class propagates?
(a) The traits it generates out of itself.
(b) Its children's.
(c) The Romans'.
(d) Earlier cultures'.

4. When, according to Veblen, does the leisure class change most?
(a) When the economy is adapting to changes.
(b) When there are no wars.
(c) When there are conflicts abroad but not at home.
(d) When the question of succession to the throne or presidency is at issue.

5. What happens to the standard of wealth over time?
(a) It keeps increasing as society becomes more efficient.
(b) It remains the same until technology increases efficiencies again.
(c) It declines as efficiencies make wealth easier to obtain.
(d) It changes as trends change.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Veblen say was the earliest form of ownership?

2. What does Veblen say causes the emergence of crimes against property?

3. What gives an item its desirability to men of the leisure class?

4. What do expensive handmade clothes have that cheap imitations do not?

5. What does Veblen say results from the possession and consumption of goods?

(see the answer key)

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