class 3/16

Okay everyone, welcome back! Here are some notes in regards to class on 3/16:

Conflict Theory:

-Basically, society is an arena in which social groups compete for power. Society is set up to benefit one group(elites) at the expense of others. Policies are made to protect this group while keeping the others in line. Marx was a major conflict theorist. He focused solely on class, the bourgeoise(upper class elites) and the proletariates(lower, working class). He believed that society is run by the bourgeoise and they create an environment in which they are able to benefit at the cost of the proletariates. He also believed that in this situation, the proletariate would become so unhappy about the oppression they face that they would rise up against the bourgeoise in revolution. However, as we see today, this has not yet occurred in our society.

Prisons

According to conflict theory, prisons are viewed as an institution created to keep the lower class in line. They are "warehouses for the poor." With very few exceptions, this is generally true. Prisons consist mainly of lower class drug offenders. Who knows what would happen if they escaped! 

The media

The influence the media has on us plays a huge role in this concept. First of all, it is important to note that almost all of the media in our country is owned by 4 major conglomerates. These conglomerates are controlled by the elites. Therefore, the messages we see are shaped by the elites to alter our perception and to protect themselves. 

What do these messages say to us?

-no wonder these people are poor, they are uneducated and lazy (ex. Jerry Springer), The poor are never accurately represented. We see them in reality shows like Jerry Springer or Cops. These shows create a negative image of the working poor. 

-General Electric is putting so much into the environment! What they forget to mention is that they are one of the most polluting companies in the world. They may be putting a few million dollars into research for solar energy, but how much more are they spending on factories that are a major contributer to our problems with greenhouse gases and global warming?

-Walmart is putting so much money into social programming! The truth is, they spent more on advertising about their social programming than they did on the programming itself. 

Hegemony

When something has hegemonic power, it has the ability to install itself as common sense and "natural." It is a type of power we don't even recognize. In accepting some things as natural and normal, we are giving hegemonic power. 

For example:

-'Women are more nurturing' This is not a scientific fact, yet it is something that most of us accept as true. Our acceptance of this shows hegemonic power because women feel as though they are choosing to stay at home with their children. They feel as though it is natural for them to feel more nurturing. Their 'motherly instincts' want them to stay home. However, we do not know that it is natural, and women's belief in this concept demonstrates hegemonic power.