1st Slide.
Question : Your association with the «American Dream»
2nd Slide: Theory.
Perrucci and Wyssong came up with the new, distributional model of class analysis.
They criticize older single-factor Marxist approach to class: argue that in addition to occupation, other
factors play a role.
Perrucci and Wysong, "Class in America" Three major claims regarding class:
There is no middle class - either you own and have stable, continuous access to resources or not.
Class structure is intergenerationally permanent: it is not tęmporal or constantly changing
Classes have conflicting interests: one class improves its situation at the expense of the other (ex.
Company hires more employees rathen that increase the salary of one)
3rd Slide:
4 kinds of capital:
Consumption capital: income (how much do you spend)
Investment capital: future profit (generating mote profit)
Skill capital: specialized knowledge accumulated by work,
training, occupation
Social capital: network of social ties (family, friends…)
1. Privileged class:
Owners of investment capital
Managers
Owners of credential knowledge etc.
2. New working class:
Small business Owners
Employees who sell their labor force (like from
Marx)
People frequently unemployed
4TH SLIDE:
Old Money has cultural capital (breeding, manners, history) and social
capital (connections), New Money (Gatsby) has economic capital (money)
but lacks cultural/social acceptance, while the working class (Wilsons) has
little of any, showing class isn't just about wealth but ingrained privilege.
The Great Gatsby
Old Money (East Egg): Tom & Daisy Buchanan. Inherited wealth,
established pedigree, effortless superiority, disdain for «new» money,
possess inherent social status and cultural capital.
New Money (West Egg): Jay Gatsby. Acquired wealth (often questionably),
ostentatious displays, desperate to break into old money circles, rich in
economic capital but lacks the cultural/social capital for true acceptance.
Working Class (Valley of Ashes): George & Myrtle Wilson. Lack economic,
cultural, and social capital; seen as disposable by the upper classes,
embodying the grim reality beneath the glamour.
Dead Poets Society:
Elite (Welton): Students are groomed for elite futures (Harvard, Yale),
possessing cultural capital and connections, embodying established class
expectations.
Working Class: Neil Perry's father (controlling, traditional) reflects class
pressures
Mona Lisa Smile:
Elite (Wellesley): The privileged students (Betty, Connie) possess
significant cultural capital (education, “proper” behavior) and social
capital (marriage prospects), upholding strict societal norms.
Working Class: Katherine Watson (art history, unconventional) challenges
norms
Capital Types & Class
Economic Capital (Money): Gatsby has immense economic capital but it's
insufficient for social integration; Wilsons have very little.
Cultural Capital (Knowledge, Tastes, Manners): Tom/Daisy/Welton students
have it inherently; Gatsby tries to buy it (art, parties); Katherine Watson
introduces it.
Social Capital (Networks, Connections): Tom's family has deep roots;
Gatsby lacks this; Wilsons have none; Welton students inherit it.
Symbolic Capital (Prestige): Old Money's inherited status provides ultimate
symbolic capital, which Gatsby's money can't buy.