Thursday, November 6, 2014

Edna vs. Conspicuous Leisure

In Thorstein Veblen’s Theory of the Leisure Class, he discusses the two types of economic concepts: conspicuous leisure and conspicuous consumption. Conspicuous leisure revolves around activities that supposedly don’t produce anything with actual value, such as washing dishes or sweeping the floor. He lists this type of social practice as “non-productive”, and associates it with women. Men, on the other hand, fall under the conspicuous consumption category. They must go out and work to provide for the family, and therefore can’t take part in any form of conspicuous leisure.

Edna and her husband in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening are perfect examples of these economic concepts. While Mr. Pontellier is away for business, Edna is left alone with the children. When she attempts to move into a new home (the “pigeon house”), Mr. Pontellier announces that they are re-modeling their home as an attempt cover up Edna’s rebellious actions. This goes back to Veblen’s argument, and supports his idea that a woman participating in “consumption” (such as Edna switching houses) is “taboo”. In addition, they are part of the middle/upper-middle class, which is where this “phenomenon” occurs most.

1 comment:

  1. I think you made a very interesting point. I especially thought it was interesting how you compared the Pontelliers to Veblen's ideas of conspicuous leisure and consumption.

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