Thorstein Veblen’s The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) examines how social stratification and consumer behaviour intertwine, introducing concepts like “conspicuous consumption” and “conspicuous leisure.” Veblen critiques the leisure class—those exempt from productive labour—for perpetuating economic inefficiencies and societal inequalities through ostentatious displays of wealth and status. His analysis delves into the societal norms and institutions that uphold these behaviours, offering a critical perspective on the cultural underpinnings of economic activity.