Dress as an Expression of the Pecuniary Culture Summary and Analysis

"It will be in place, by way of illustration, to show in some detail how the economic principles so far set forth apply to everyday facts in some one direction of the life process. For this purpose no line of consumption affords a more apt illustration than expenditure on dress" (Chap. 7, p. 167). Dress is an example of conspicuous waste. The manner in which people dress is always on display and represents the pecuniary standing of the individual. Dress is more for show than for protection. Many times people do not protect themselves from the weather because they are more concerned with their appearances. They want to appear to be fashionable.

Veblen talks about dress being a spiritual need. The individual has a need to conform to the...