Elite and Social Class Theory
Elite and social class theory claim that the upper class of society is often seen as the primary driving force behind the politics of society. The theory of elites postulates that elites are inevitable in society and that their presence facilitates the full functioning of society. Besides, this fact has been recognized by the lower class for a long time. For this cause, the wealthy continues to be affluent, while the weak continue to struggle. There are campaigns that need sponsorship to get through the political elite. Therefore, to be able to manage such campaigns, one ought to have accumulated a large amount of income from the past. For this reason, conflict and elite theories explain the reasons for social stratification in the society. From the capitalist perspective, the elite will always dominate the politics of the day. Besides, conflict theory confirms that the rich in the society control all available resources. Similarly, they are also responsible for controlling power, which they derive from the respect that they get from the lower class. The society holds a stereotype that the elite from the upper class ought to be respected for the wealth that they have already accumulated. For this reason, people from the lower class agree to offer cheap labor. Through this scenario, the lower class does not have enough ground to control politics and power in the society.
Influence of the Upper Class on Politics
From Swanson’s article on Washington Post entitled, Upper Class Elites might hate Trump, but they were the key to his success, explains how the upper class has a huge influence in determining the direction of politics in the society. From the Swanson’s perspective, the elite are able to influence the thoughts of people, from the same class to vote for them. The author indicates that Trump was able to get more votes from people of the upper class, as they have similar thoughts and lifestyle. From an interview with Cowen, the author provides that the elite in the society isolate themselves from the rest in the society. Through an isolation process, the elite are able to influence other members of the group towards policies, and decisions that inform the politics in that society. The author provides examples that people of the upper class are found in New York, Washington DC, and California. Through strategic geographical locations, the upper class is able to influence the thoughts of others, to maintain power and control in the society. Additionally, the author points out that the power and control in the upper class can be related to the mobility and tackling inflation that happened right after the First World War.
Established Class and Social Segregation
Moreover, the Swanson argues that people of the upper and middle class in America have established themselves such that they can get a new job and promotions. Therefore, people from this class have a guaranteed way of acquiring more money that will make them richer. Therefore, since the rich will always be wealthy, there is a possibility that they will continue influencing the politics of the day in society. Considering that, the author confirms that people who are less educated and those from low-income backgrounds have come to accept the status quo. However, the author points out that Americans do not have to accept the status quo, as there is a need to change the issue of class and social stratification in society. Even with the rising number rates of classes, it is clear that closing the gap between the poor and the rich in society may take a long period. Ideally, the rich strata of society never wants to be associated with the poor. Swanson claims that in America, living arrangements are such that the rich will always choose to be associated with the rich and will look for a residence place in cities like New York. In addition, people from the high-end areas will always have similar views on different perspectives of life.
Challenges in Closing the Gap
Subsequently, Swanson states that the social segregation associated with people in these areas happens due to the fact that the rich will always want to be associated with their rich counterparts. Therefore, the author argues that people from New York and California would have voted for Trump in such high numbers. Moreover, the author investigated through the interview whether school segregation can be used to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
To explain the concept of closing the gap in society, Will in his article on Washington Post entitled “Want to reduce inequality? Try the black death” explains the serious issues of inequality amidst a society that wishes to reduce the problem of inequality. Will states that due to this matter, it becomes more and more difficult to close the gap between the rich and the poor. In addition, Will provides that it is almost impossible for society to close the gap due to the perspectives and stereotypes that people hold against the concepts of being rich and poor.
Historical Factors Contributing to Inequality
Furthermore, Will traces back in history to the time of revolutions and egalitarianism and explains that these were some of the factors that led to difficulty in closing the gap. Wars and conflicts are the main reasons why societies have failed in closing the gap between the rich and poor, and the rich. Will argues that most of the rich populations in America inherited their wealth from their forefathers, and this helped them to maintain the status quo. Given that, it has always been difficult for American society to close the inequality gap. Poverty is characterized by the fact that people fail to meet their daily needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. According to Will, poverty indicates that the rate of inequality in America has been increased by the fact that some families do not have enough resources that will allow them to meet their daily needs.
Impact of Media and Class Stereotypes
Furthermore, the author indicates that the advertisements through magazines such as Forbes indicate the richest men in American society. According to the author, such notifications elude an aspect of class and inequality. The concept of class is brought about by the fact that media sources confirm that class is still a major problem in society. Nevertheless, through empowerment and viable strategies of reducing poverty, it is evident that there is still work that can be done to reduce poverty in society. On the other hand, it is clear that policymakers have to establish ways of reducing poverty in society by empowering families. For example, this can be achieved by providing equal opportunities to all classes in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social stratification is not only an American issue but a problem that all governments are fighting against. Nonetheless, the main factors that steer social classes include inequalities at the workplace and the struggle for the limited resources in society. Inequality in terms of income means that citizens will have an unequal distribution of resources. As a result, it is necessary for leaders to develop policies that can help in reducing the aspects of inequality in society. Nevertheless, social classes can be explained from both conflict and capitalist perspectives.
Works Cited
Ana Swanson. "Upper class elites might hate Trump, but they were key to his success." Upper class elites might hate Trump, but they were key to his success (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 30 Mar. 2017 https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/wonk\/wp\/2017\/02\/28\/upper-class-elites-might-hate-trump-but-they-were-key-to-his-success\/?utm_term=.ffca6aba6d6f
Will, George. "Want to reduce inequality? Try the Black Death." Want to reduce inequality? Try the Black Death (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 30 Mar. 2017. https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/opinions\/want-to-reduce-inequality-try-the-black-death\/2017\/02\/03\/e90551e2-e7e9-11e6-bf6f-301b6b443624_story.html?utm_term=.c98b41ca1c99.
