In "Theory of the Leisure Class," Veblen explains women's subjugation as resulting from the tasks assigned to them by their gender roles. These tasks value style over substance. Because they're jobs result in little substance, they are seen as unimportant. He also explains that there is a direct correlation between the importance society associates with them and the amount of money they spend. This concept is called "conspicuous leisure."
Edna is in direct opposition to this idea. Over the course of The Awakening, Edna defies society's gender roles. She supports herself and refuses to take on the ordinary jobs of women. An example of this is her refusing to see male callers on Tuesdays. Overall, this defiance is an important characteristic of this boldly feminist text.
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