Publication Date

3-14-2016

Document Type

Working Paper

Advisor

Professor John Hall

Journal of Economic Literature Classification Codes

B1, B3, B5, N6

Key Words

Culture, Industry, Machine Process, Society, Thorstein Veblen, Workman

Abstract

This inquiry considers Thorstein Veblen’s understanding of the machine process and some of its influences. In particular, this paper explores relationships between the machine process and industry, noting the powerful influences of standardization of outputs as well as inputs. In addition, this paper considers some of the implications of the machine process on workers, considering particularly the tendency of the machine process to enforce routines and some of the related effects on “habitual thinking.” Finally, the machine process and its relation to society will be discussed with a focus on its effects on value systems, examining also the ways in which the machine process shifts power from the individual to the vested interests of big business and those with financial knowledge.

Rights

© Emily Pitkin

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30398

Download

Share

COinS