Challenges and Changes

Question 1

Capitalism

Answer 1

Economic system in which the means of production is privately owned

Profit is earned in competitive conditions

Question 2

Money and Power

Answer 2

Causes conflict between what people feel they deserve and what they receive

Question 3

Antonio Gramsci and Change

Answer 3

Marxist theorist who sought to challenge the ruling class

State divided into two parts
1) Political Society - rules through force
2) Civil Society - rules through consent

Supported the idea of a quiet revolution

Early education is the key to changing the future

Media needs to be used to reach the masses

Question 4

Gramsci on Cultural Hegemony

Answer 4

Theory that society is dominated by one ruling class and the ruling class’s ideas and beliefs are considered the norm

Each social group accepts the beliefs of the dominant group

Working class can also acquire power by persuading the masses to accept their group’s ideas

E.g. Consumption
- People are taught to want the newest products
- Media is used to reinforce the idea of consumptions
- Ruling class wants consumption to increase so they earn more money

Question 5

Internal Drives

Answer 5

Freud - examined different states of consciousness and our natural state to seek pleasure (the unconscious rules our actions)

Durkheim - examined conscious choices and social ties as motivators for actions (Believed that each person contributes to society by performing specialized tasks)

Question 6

Emile Durkheim - Anomie

Answer 6

A breakdown of social norms, values, and expectations within a society.

Occurs when an individual feels disconnected from society.

When people do not know what is expected of them because of unclear norms and behaviours, they experience anomie.