Commons, Veblen and Inequalities: Looking Up or Down?

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Philippe Broda
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Commons, Veblen and Inequalities: Looking Up or Down?

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Abstract

The aim of this article is to show that, even if both Commons and Veblen denounce the increase in inequalities, they do not approach the issue from the same angle. Linking together those at the top of the social ladder and the lower classes, Commons is primarily concerned with the latter. A real improvement in their lot requires a correction of the excesses of capitalism. Veblen, on the contrary, focuses on the dominant classes whom he opposes to the “common men”. He attacks them by accusing them of being responsible for systemic dysfunctions. However, the waste of resources they cause is not directly associated with the emergence of social misery. In the end, the poor find themselves on the periphery of his model.

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Funding

No external funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

No ethics committee approval was required for this article type.

Data Availability

Not applicable for this article.

How to Cite This Article

Philippe Broda. 2021. \u201cCommons, Veblen and Inequalities: Looking Up or Down?\u201d. Global Journal of Human-Social Science - C: Sociology & Culture GJHSS-C Volume 21 (GJHSS Volume 21 Issue C6): .

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Research on social issues, delving into common myths and inequalities in society. Accessible for academics and students worldwide.
Journal Specifications

Crossref Journal DOI 10.17406/GJHSS

Print ISSN 0975-587X

e-ISSN 2249-460X

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GJHSS-C Classification: FOR Code: 370199
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v1.2

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December 10, 2021

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en
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The aim of this article is to show that, even if both Commons and Veblen denounce the increase in inequalities, they do not approach the issue from the same angle. Linking together those at the top of the social ladder and the lower classes, Commons is primarily concerned with the latter. A real improvement in their lot requires a correction of the excesses of capitalism. Veblen, on the contrary, focuses on the dominant classes whom he opposes to the “common men”. He attacks them by accusing them of being responsible for systemic dysfunctions. However, the waste of resources they cause is not directly associated with the emergence of social misery. In the end, the poor find themselves on the periphery of his model.

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Commons, Veblen and Inequalities: Looking Up or Down?

Philippe Broda
Philippe Broda

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