Veblen good

English

Etymology

Named after economist Thorstein Veblen, who first pointed out the concepts of conspicuous consumption and status-seeking.

Noun

Veblen good (plural Veblen goods)

1. A good for which people's preference for buying them increases as a direct function of their price, as greater price confers greater status.

Usage notes

These should not be confused with Giffen goods, for which price rises increase purchases not because consumers enjoy the goods any more but simply because consumers have less purchasing power (and no viable alternative). For Veblen goods, purchases increase because the good is enjoyed more (e.g. for status reasons) when its price is higher.

Related terms

• Veblen effect

See also

• positional good
• Giffen good
• status symbol