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The symbols of conspicuous consumption are the fur coats worn by the rich wives of the bankers at the conference.
The term was coined by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1889 book, "The Theory of the Leisure Class." This type of consumption was considered to be a product of the developing middle class during the 19th and 20th centuries. This group had a greater percentage of disposable income to spend on goods and services that were generally not considered to be necessary.
престижные расходы (на предметы роскоши и т. п.); расходование средств в целях повышения своего социального статуса