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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When does Veblen say that a leisure class emerged?
(a) During the transition from savage barbarism to agricultural barbarism.
(b) During the transition from mercantilism to early industry.
(c) During the transition from primitive savagery to barbarism.
(d) During the transition from agricultural barbarism to urban mercantilism.

2. Which occupation would the leisure class have worked as?
(a) Merchant.
(b) Writer.
(c) Engraver.
(d) Minister.

3. Private ownership led to what cultural development?
(a) Jealousy and murders.
(b) Dueling.
(c) Competition for goods.
(d) War.

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

5. Where is conspicuous consumption most prevalent?
(a) In rural areas.
(b) In Paris.
(c) In court.
(d) In urban areas.

Short Answer Questions

1. Vicarious consumption reflects whose standing?

2. How does Veblen say wealth is obtained?

3. What does Veblen say happens whenever people acquire a greater ability to pay?

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

5. What does Veblen say makes wealth desirable?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the standard of wealth change over time?

2. How does the leisure class view work?

3. What are the two conditions necessary for the development of the leisure class?

4. How are the different social classes distinguished?

5. Why do most people spend in excess of what is required for their physical comfort?

6. How are lawns and public grounds evidence of pecuniary beauty?

7. How does the labor class view its work?

8. Where does the institution of a leisure class appear in the development of culture?

9. How does the leisure of the leisure class affect the servants?

10. In what way is dress an example of conspicuous waste?

(see the answer keys)

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