Thorstein Veblen: A New Perspective

Ryan, Barbara E.

Publication

Thorstein Veblen: A New Perspective

Ryan, Barbara E.

Abstract

In spite of his extensive writings, Thorstein Veblen is an American sociologist most students of sociology know very little about. The obscurity of Veblen's work within the discipline is explained by two parallel trends: the selective utilization ofhis economic theory, and the failure to legitimize or develop his generalized social theory. Veblen's sociology explains class divisions under capitalism as outward manifestations of the desire for dominance in order to gain self-esteem and prestige. The division between pecuniary and industrial occupations illustrates this process; however, the first and most important division from which all others follow is the division between the sexes. The lack of acknowledgement in sociology of Veblen's emphasis on the primacy of the sex role division in the development of human society suggests an inquiry into either the legitimacy of his position and/or academic selection which rejects the importance ofsex role divisions. Through an examination of both Veblen's writings and later analysts of his work, this paper (1) reclaims Veblen's sex role analysis, (2) demonstrates male bias in the social sciences, and (3) considers the applicability of Veblen's theory with contemporary feminist theory.