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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose theories influenced Veblen's ideas about selective adaptation?

2. What does Veblen cite as an example of gambling in organizations designed for devout observances?

3. Whose traits does Veblen say the leisure class propagates?

4. Which class does Veblen say exhibits peaceful traits?

5. What aspect of man's character does gambling originate in, according to Veblen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the effects of devout observances?

2. How does one move from the industrial class to the leisure class?

3. What traits in men are required for the success of a community, in Veblen's description?

4. How does the workman manifest his animistic view about luck?

5. What temperament does Veblen say characterizes the leisure class, and how does the leisure class change?

6. How do sports relate to the fighting spirit?

7. How is education similar to the observance of devotional functions and magic?

8. How do lower-class delinquents manifest the fighting spirit?

9. How do sports demonstrate belief in luck, or semireligious sentiment?

10. How does Veblen's book reveal Darwin's influence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role Darwinian thinking plays in "The Theory of the Leisure Class." Is Veblen simply applying Darwin's ideas to society, or is he using Darwin's ideas as tools to show things Darwin's theories would not have described?

Essay Topic 2

Describe how "The Theory of the Leisure Class" applies to two professions: one where the profession fits Veblen's language very well, and another where Veblen's language does not apply as neatly.

Essay Topic 3

Are status symbols necessary? If social status is a fact of life for middle-class (leisure-class) people in industrial society, are status symbols necessities, or are they luxuries? Is Veblen being puritanical to see them as luxuries when pragmatically they are requirements for participation in culture?

(see the answer keys)

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