Social class identities theorists Flashcards
summaries
What does MACINTOSH & MOONEY argue about social class?
Social class can provide a sense of belonging and identity, influencing how individuals relate to the world around them.
In the upper class, wealth and privilege are often not very visible.
How does SCOTT describe the role of peer groups in socializing into a traditional upper class identity?
Peer groups maintain an integrated elite through lifelong friendships and social capital gained from attending private schools and elite universities.
This is often referred to as ‘the old boy network’.
What aspects of the upper class family background does SCOTT highlight?
Family structure, education, career paths, and family background.
These elements contribute to the socialization into a traditional upper class identity.
What is the role of media in socializing into a traditional upper class identity according to SCOTT?
Media perpetuates social class stereotypes and marginalization of poverty, while high culture encompasses higher education and cultural activities.
Examples include ballet and other cultural activities.
What does KENWAY state about the education system’s role in socialization?
The education system socializes individuals into a traditional upper class identity through its ethos and culture.
This is an important part of the school experience.
How do KING AND RAYNOR describe the family’s role in socializing individuals into a traditional middle class identity?
Parents reinforce attitudes and values about educational success using role models, sanctions, and imitation.
Child centeredness is a distinctive feature of middle class families.
What does BOURDIEU suggest about the education system’s influence on middle class identity?
The education system socializes individuals through the hidden curriculum, role models, imitation, rewards, and sanctions.
It reflects aspects of their home and cultural capital.
What is the identity of ‘yummy mummies’ according to GOODWIN?
Middle class mothers define their identities by peer approval, focusing on maternal capabilities and lifestyle.
This represents a shift from traditional roles.
What does SAUNDERS’ study on consumption indicate?
Consumption patterns are influenced by advertising, with the middle class defining their identity through ownership of goods.
This includes concepts like conspicuous consumption.
What is Wright’s argument regarding the middle class?
The middle class occupies a contradictory class position, being both exploited by the upper class and holding managerial roles.
He identifies three types of resources: investment, production, and labor power.
What did WILLIS find in his study of working class boys?
The boys showed little interest in academic work, valuing manual labor over mental work, and displayed a strong hegemonic masculinity.
Their peer groups were anti-school, influenced by their fathers’ manual labor backgrounds.
What did MAC AN GHAIL discover about working class subcultures?
He studied subcultures like ‘Macho lads’ who valued physical labor but faced a crisis of masculinity due to de-industrialization.
This study was ethnographic and involved predominantly working class individuals.
What is the hidden curriculum according to BOWLES AND GINTIS?
Education socializes individuals into a traditional working class identity by transmitting ruling class values as common values.
It encourages obedience and conformity through sanctions and rewards.
What did MERTENS AND D’HAENENS study regarding the digital divide?
They found a clear link between social class and internet usage, with lower classes using it less and primarily for entertainment.
Middle class individuals used it for knowledge and research.
How does MURRAY characterize the underclass?
The underclass is portrayed negatively, often seen as lazy, immoral, and dependent on benefits.
This includes long-term unemployed individuals and single parents.
What critique does JORDAN provide about the underclass?
He argues that the underclass shares similar values and would prefer to work if given the opportunity, feeling shame about unemployment.
Surveys indicate that unemployment brings shame and insecurity.
What shift in identity definition do PAKULSKI AND WATERS propose?
There has been a shift from production to consumption, where identities are defined by what individuals buy rather than what they do.
What does OFFE argue about contemporary society and work?
Fewer individuals share a common experience of full-time work, leading to diverse choices and opportunities in society.
This contrasts with past experiences limited to the privileged.
How do working class women view their jobs according to SKEGGS?
They have instrumental attitudes towards work, seeing jobs as a means to an end and viewing society as meritocratic.
Their identities are shaped by popular culture and consumer culture.
