Thorstein Veblen was an influential economist and sociologist best known for his insightful critiques of capitalism. His notable works include The Theory of the Leisure Class, which introduced the concept of "conspicuous consumption," and The Theory of Business Enterprise.
If you enjoy reading books by Thorstein Veblen then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Thorstein Veblen's sharp wit and clarity when talking about economics and society, you'll probably enjoy John Kenneth Galbraith. Galbraith is known for his clear, conversational style and insightful critiques of modern consumerism.
In his book The Affluent Society, he argues that wealth doesn't necessarily lead to happiness or good social outcomes, similar to how Veblen criticizes conspicuous consumption.
Readers who respect Veblen's keen social observations will find plenty to like in C. Wright Mills. Mills writes clearly and powerfully about issues of power, social classes, and inequality.
In his book The Power Elite, he examines how the political, military, and corporate elite control American society, exposing layers of power imbalance in ways that remind readers of Veblen's social critiques.
If you enjoy Veblen's insightful commentary on social dynamics, you'll likely enjoy Max Weber, who offers deep, thoughtful analyses of capitalism and bureaucracy. Weber has an analytical yet approachable writing style, exploring how cultural values shape economic behavior.
His book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism explores how religious beliefs influenced the rise of modern capitalism, highlighting the interplay of ideas, values, and economics that Veblen fans may find appealing.
Marx shares Veblen’s critical perspective on capitalism and class structures. Like Veblen, Marx examines how economic forces shape societies, but he takes a more systemic approach.
In his influential work Capital, Marx analyzes how capitalism exploits labor and creates inequality. Readers who appreciate Veblen's critiques of wealth and leisure will find Marx’s bold arguments engaging.
Fans of Thorstein Veblen interested in the practical side of economic change might enjoy John R. Commons. Commons focuses on how institutions shape economic behavior and influence working people's lives.
His work Institutional Economics discusses how laws, organizations, and collective actions affect the economy, providing real-world examples that complement Veblen’s broader social analyses.
Wesley Clair Mitchell focuses on how businesses and economic activities shape our society. He emphasizes empirical research and measurement, carefully examining business cycles and economic patterns.
If you enjoyed Veblen's insights into the economy and human behavior, you'll appreciate Mitchell's detailed analysis in Business Cycles, where he explores patterns of economic prosperity and downturn.
Adolf Berle examines corporate power and economic structures, especially the role large corporations play in politics and society. Much like Veblen, he questions economic hierarchies and corporate responsibility.
His book The Modern Corporation and Private Property carefully analyzes how corporate governance affects society and democracy.
Gardiner Means teams up with Adolf Berle in exploring corporations and economic power. His work often highlights how large companies separate ownership from control, influencing economic decisions and societal roles.
In particular, The Modern Corporation and Private Property, co-authored with Berle, offers a clear and thorough study of the changing roles within businesses and their impact on our economy.
Georg Simmel writes about the social patterns behind economic behavior. He explores how societal groups shape individuals' relationships, identities, and economic activities, similar to Veblen's approach.
If you enjoyed Veblen's insights on social behavior, you may find Simmel's The Philosophy of Money fascinating. It explores money's role in our social interactions and cultural life.
Pierre Bourdieu examines social structures, power relations, and how culture impacts our habits and preferences. He shares Veblen's interest in understanding societal norms and social capital.
In particular, his influential book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste explains how tastes and lifestyle choices reflect deeper social inequalities and class distinctions.
David Riesman examines the changing nature of American society and how social forces shape individual character.
In The Lonely Crowd, Riesman explores how people transitioned from inner-directed personalities—guided by personal values—to outer-directed personalities who rely on social approval.
Like Thorstein Veblen, Riesman critically studies conformity, consumerism, and how society molds people's desires.
Richard Hofstadter offers critical insight into American political culture and intellectual traditions.
In The Paranoid Style in American Politics, Hofstadter discusses how conspiracy theories and fear shape American politics, especially during periods of social and economic stress.
Readers who enjoy Veblen's critical views of society's institutions and human behavior will appreciate Hofstadter's thoughtful analyses of cultural themes and political anxieties.
Juliet Schor tackles the issues of consumerism, work-life balance, and the environmental impacts of a consumption-driven society. In her book The Overspent American, Schor explores how Americans have become trapped in cycles of excessive spending and overconsumption.
Fans of Veblen's insights into consumer habits and status symbols will find Schor's commentary insightful and relevant.
Barbara Ehrenreich writes about class, work, and the economic pressures that affect ordinary people's lives.
In her highly readable book Nickel and Dimed, Ehrenreich investigates what it's like to survive on low-wage labor in America, revealing hard economic realities and challenging widespread assumptions.
Like Veblen, she exposes the harsh truths underlying consumer culture and economic inequality.
Noam Chomsky critically examines political and economic power, media bias, and institutional control. His book Manufacturing Consent, coauthored with Edward Herman, reveals how mainstream media filter and shape public opinion, serving the interests of the powerful.
Similar to Veblen, Chomsky doesn't hesitate to question dominant societal institutions, unveiling uncomfortable truths.