Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a mean of reputability to the gentleman of Leisure.”
The signs of success are not only the consumption of goods, but the ability to show comfort and knowledge with the objects of consumption. It enhances one’s image as being superior.
In modern times, with the middle class, the household male head often must work to acquire the means of upper middle-class living, but the woman of the house may well be the one who can display conspicuous leisure living, all to the benefit of the household’s reputation.
In these times of the early 20th century the effective expression of where one stands depends on the circle. In circles of relative closeness both leisure and consumption are effective tools to place one’s household. But, on a wider scale it is consumption which is more effectively expressive.
Undertaking work, generally voluntary rather than paid, is seen as socially beneficial and admirable, but obviously the standard of living one has limits that possibility, thus, again reinforcing the notions of class.