THORSTEIN VEBLEN

American economist and sociologist best known for introducing the phrase "conspicuous consumption" in his book The Theory of the Leisure Class. He was into knowing the relationship among the economy, society, and culture. Veblen evaluated the social order and believed individuals made purchases to indicate their status and accomplishments to others. He argued the consumption habits of rich people, as well as their values. Aside from establishing the school of institutional economics, he also coined the terms "conspicuous waste" and "pecuniary emulation".