social class identity Flashcards
4 different social class groups
- upper class
- middle class
- working class
- under class
social class
It is a contested concept because it’s very difficult to define which social class someone belongs to but there are indicators of an individuals social class position
economic capital examples
economic resources
- occupation
- wealth/assets
- money/income
- housing
- cars
cultural capital
the knowledge, attitudes, skills, education and advantages that a person has, which give them a higher status in society
- language/accent
- education
- norms and values
social capital
resources based on group membership, relationships, networks of influence or support
- holidays
- hobbies/activities
Pakulski and water
changing class identities
POSTMODERNISTS
- class in todays society is dead
- shift from production to consumption
- defined by what we buy, and not what we do
bourdieu
- the rich stay rich as they have more capital
- their friends can help get their children into important proffesions
- cultural capital is the most significant
- marxist
Offe
changing class identities
- fewer individuals experience full time work
- we now dont just have one job our whole lives
Upper class members are those with…..
inherited wealth, often in the form of land and money from inheritance
There are 3 main groups within the upper class which include
- Traditional
- Owners of industry and commerce
- Entertainment stars
Some features of the upper class include
- Private education (usually within boarding schools and the top universities)
- Military service
- Employing domestic staff (maids, chefs, cleaners)
- High culture (the wealthy elite)
Some activities enjoyed by the elite (upper class) include
- Polo
- Shooting
- Ballet
- Going to the opera/theatre
- hunting
Mackintosh,Mooney and Scott
upper class
pointed out that the upper class operate ‘social closure’
social closure
upper class
meaning that their education,leisure time and daily lives are separated and partially invisible from the rest of the population
‘Old Boys Network’
upper class
shows how education connects the upper class together to create a ‘social capital’ these connection enable for the rich to remain wealthy and powerful as they use their connection to maintain their status for their children as well
Bourdieu’s ‘Cultural capital’
upper class
parents socialise their children into the attitudes and knowledge needed to succeed in high society.This may include the right ways of speaking,etiquette and confidence in different social situations
who are the super rich?
- People whos economic capital are from their achievements not their inheritance
- Much more significant type of upper class
- Usually start from humble beginnings
- Success from hard work
- Friends with other super rich celebs
- Example - ELON MUSK (money without connections)