Thorstein Veblen

eBook, ePUB

The Higher Learning in America (eBook, ePUB)

Beschreibung

In "The Higher Learning in America," Thorstein Veblen delivers a critical analysis of the American higher education system at the turn of the 20th century, positing that universities failing to embody true education have become self-serving institutions driven by economic motives. Veblen adopts a keen observational style, utilizing his characteristic wit and sociological insight to dissect the conflicts between educational pursuits and the forces of capitalism. This seminal work situates itself amid the broader discourse on social Darwinism and the role of education as a catalyst for societal progress, ultimately challenging readers to reflect on the true purpose of learning in a commodified society. Thorstein Veblen, an influential economist and sociologist, was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century intellectual landscape. His own educational experiences, coupled with a scathing critique of American materialism as exemplified in his earlier work, "The Theory of the Leisure Class," informed his perspectives in "The Higher Learning in America". Veblen's observations are not merely academic; they are autobiographical reflections on his own disillusionment with the constraints and priorities of the education system. For readers intrigued by the interplay between education and societal values, Veblen's work remains both relevant and provocative. It challenges us to reconsider our own educational institutions and urges critical engagement with their dual roles as bastions of knowledge and vehicles of class distinction. "The Higher Learning in America" is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of education in contemporary society.

Technische Details

• Geräte: eReader
• ohne Kopierschutz
• Größe: 0.59MB

Barrierefreiheit

• Text-to-Speech

Autor

Thorstein Bunde Veblen (July 30, 1857 - August 3, 1929) was an influential American economist and sociologist, renowned for his critical analysis of capitalism and his contributions to institutional economics. Veblen's most famous work, The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), introduced the concepts of "conspicuous consumption" and "conspicuous leisure," which critique the extravagant display of wealth and status by the upper class. His work examined how the wealthy class's consumption patterns are driven by the desire to show social superiority rather than for practical use, and he argued that this behavior leads to societal inefficiency and waste. Veblen's theories also laid the groundwork for the institutional economics perspective, emphasizing the role of institutions, such as laws, customs, and social structures, in shaping economic behavior. He distinguished between "institutions" and "technology," a framework known as the Veblenian dichotomy, which remains influential in contemporary economic thought. Veblen's critiques of capitalism, alongside his focus on the broader societal context in which economic activities occur, have made him a significant figure in the field of economics and sociology.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Copycat
• Altersempfehlung: ab 7 Jahre
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. Februar 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9788028289508
• Artikelnr.: 69806895