Vanity economics : an economic exploration of sex, marriage and family
Document Type
Book
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Publisher
Edward Elgar
Abstract
This book presents an accessible and sometimes controversial economic exploration of numerous issues surrounding sex, marriage and family. It analyses the role of ‘vanity’, defined as social status and self-esteem, in social and economic behaviours.
In Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption, vanity is associated with the consumption of luxuries such as expensive handbags and cars. In this book, C. Simon Fan provocatively argues that vanity is obtained by having a spouse and children with perceived ‘high-quality’ values, for example, a beautiful wife, a tall husband or intelligent offspring. He demonstrates from various perspectives that vanity plays a crucial role in male–female relationships and intergenerational relationships. In doing so, he challenges the conventional frontier of economics and contributes to other social sciences.
This unique book will appeal to the educated general reader and interested academic alike.
DOI
10.4337/9781783472314
ISBN
9781783472307
Publisher Statement
Copyright © C. Simon Fan 2014. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Fan, C. S. (2014). Vanity economics: An economic exploration of sex, marriage and family. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. doi: 10.4337/9781783472314