Page 276 - Essencials of Sociology

Summary and Review 249

A society’s dominant ideologies are
reinforced throughout the society,
including its literature. Horatio Alger
provided inspirational heroes for
thousands of boys. The central theme
of these many novels, immensely
popular in their time, was rags to
riches. Through rugged determination
and self-sacrifice, a boy could
overcome seemingly insurmountable
obstacles to reach the pinnacle
of success. (Girls did not strive for
financial success, but were dependent
on fathers and husbands.)

unpredictable forces will batter their lives. Both rich and poor know the dominant ide-
ology: that their particular niche in life is due to their own efforts, that the reasons for
success—or failure—lie solely with the self. Like fish that don’t notice the water, people
tend not to perceive the effects of social class on their own lives.

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CHAPTER 8 Summary and Review

What Determines Social Class? another in terms of property (wealth), power, and prestige.
Wealth—consisting of the value of property and income—
is concentrated in the upper classes. From the 1930s to
8.1 Explain the three components of social class—property,
the 1970s, the trend in the distribution of wealth in the
power, and prestige; distinguish between wealth and income;
United States was toward greater equality. Since that time,
explain how property and income are distributed; and describe the
it has been toward greater inequality. Power is the ability
democratic façade, the power elite, and status inconsistency.
to get your way even though others resist. C. Wright Mills
coined the term power elite to refer to the small group
What is meant by the term social class?
that holds the reins of power in business, government,
Most sociologists have adopted Weber’s definition of
and the military. Prestige is linked to occupational status.
social class: a large group of people who rank closely to one
Pp. 221–226.