---
product_id: 570945063
title: "The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class"
price: "$111.34"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/570945063-the-sum-of-small-things-a-theory-of-the-aspirational
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Deep dive into cultural capital Insightful analysis of social consumption 74 reviews, 4.2⭐ rating The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class

**Price:** $111.34
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 📖 Unlock the secret code of social status with every page!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class
- **How much does it cost?** $111.34 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/570945063-the-sum-of-small-things-a-theory-of-the-aspirational)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Real-World Examples:** From $5 black coffee to organic choices—see the economics behind everyday decisions.
- • **Decode the New Elite:** Explore how cultural capital defines today’s aspirational class, not just wealth.
- • **Social Habits Unveiled:** Understand the subtle consumer behaviors shaping modern social status.
- • **Must-Read for Trendsetters:** Stay ahead by grasping the social forces influencing your peers and market.
- • **Thought-Provoking Insights:** Gain clarity on why certain consumption patterns persist across economic classes.

## Overview

The Sum of Small Things reveals how the traditional leisure class has evolved into a new elite defined by cultural capital. Through detailed examples and sharp analysis, it exposes the social and economic forces behind everyday consumer choices, offering readers a fresh perspective on modern class dynamics.

## Description

How the leisure class has been replaced by a new elite, and how their consumer habits affect us all In today’s world, the leisure class has been replaced by a new elite. Highly educated and defined by cultural capital rather than inc

Review: Contenuti - Excellent
Review: Insightful read, if slightly repetitive. - I was happy with this book. It shed a lot of light on the cultural practices of different economic classes and the reasons behind why certain behaviors exist. There are plenty of examples that show not just what people are buying, but the social influences that accompany their economic peers. From t shirts, coffee companies, breast feeding, and clothing and make up, the author does a good job pulling back the curtain and showing the process behind these purchases and behaviors. You'll learn the thought process behind an entrepreneur who sells a five dollar cup of plain black coffee as well as the social factors that allow upper class mothers the freedom to chose between organic produce and processed food. It get's a tad repetitive, but it's still an interesting read.

## Features

- University Press Group Ltd

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 74 Reviews |

## Images

![The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of the Aspirational Class - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61VhZ+5dXJL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Contenuti
*by C***N on 21 January 2019*

Excellent

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Insightful read, if slightly repetitive.
*by D***E on 5 March 2021*

I was happy with this book. It shed a lot of light on the cultural practices of different economic classes and the reasons behind why certain behaviors exist. There are plenty of examples that show not just what people are buying, but the social influences that accompany their economic peers. From t shirts, coffee companies, breast feeding, and clothing and make up, the author does a good job pulling back the curtain and showing the process behind these purchases and behaviors. You'll learn the thought process behind an entrepreneur who sells a five dollar cup of plain black coffee as well as the social factors that allow upper class mothers the freedom to chose between organic produce and processed food. It get's a tad repetitive, but it's still an interesting read.

### ⭐⭐⭐ Interesting findings, lacking conclusions
*by "***" on 8 December 2019*

The author shows convincing data about the gap between the elite and the rest of the population, but sound rather accusing of the rich who now, instead of investing into material elements (silver spoons, giant TVs, sports cars) now dare to invest into education and expensive food habits. Personally I find investing into Yale, kale or breast feeding a good choice, and if this becomes aspirational for the broader population, earth is a better place than one where people aspire to drive around in 400hp sports cars. Net - interesting facts, but no usable consclusions.

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.us/products/570945063-the-sum-of-small-things-a-theory-of-the-aspirational](https://www.desertcart.us/products/570945063-the-sum-of-small-things-a-theory-of-the-aspirational)

---

*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-07-11*