Power Elite - 1

Summary

This video explores the concepts of labeling theory, deviance, and power elite, using the Salem Witch Trials as an example. It discusses who has the authority to define deviance and enforce these labels, and how social control has evolved over time. The video also delves into Mills' theory of the power elite, highlighting the interplay between corporate, military, and political elites, and how they often collude for mutual benefit. It contrasts this with celebrities and politicians who can evade legal consequences due to their fame or wealth, emphasizing the disparity in power and influence.

Takeaways

• 🏷️ Deviance is defined as a violation of established norms, which can be social, cultural, or legal.
• 🌐 Social control is practiced by all societies to maintain order and is enforced through sanctions, both positive (rewards) and negative (punishments).
• 🕵️‍♂️ The power elite theory suggests that a small group of individuals from the corporate, military, and political sectors hold significant influence over society.
• 💼 Corporate Elites, Military Elites, and Political Elites often collaborate for mutual benefit, exemplified by unnecessary military purchases for job creation or raises.
• 💵 The power elite is not solely political; it is characterized by wealth and influence, often transcending party lines.
• 🚫 Celebrities and influential individuals can sometimes avoid legal repercussions for their actions due to their status, highlighting the power elite's privileges.
• 🛑 Protest movements like Black Lives Matter are not considered power elite because they do not use vast financial resources to influence laws.
• 👥 The power elite is a small, select group of people who can have a disproportionate impact on society, often unrepresentative of the general population.
• 📉 Over-purchased military equipment, like tanks rusting unused, is a modern example of power elite influence and the waste it can cause.
• 🏛️ Politicians are not automatically part of the power elite; being in the majority in political bodies does not equate to being a power elite member.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video primarily discusses the concepts of labeling theory, deviance, power elite, and uses the Salem Witch Trials as an example to illustrate these concepts.

What is deviance according to the video?

Deviance is defined as a violation of established contextual cultural or social norms, which can include folkways, mores, or codified law.

How does society practice social control?

Society practices social control through the regulation and enforcement of norms, which is necessary to maintain social order.

What are sanctions as mentioned in the video?

Sanctions are the means of enforcing rules and can be either positive, such as rewards for conforming to norms, or negative, such as punishments for violating norms.

Who typically decides what is considered deviant?

The decision of what is considered deviant is typically made by those in positions of power, such as employers, political figures, or other influential individuals.

What is the power elite theory according to Mills?

Mills' power elite theory examines the interrelationship between the corporate elite, military elite, and political elite, who often coordinate to maintain and increase their wealth and power.

How does the power elite theory relate to the Salem Witch Trials?

While the video does not directly relate the power elite theory to the Salem Witch Trials, one could infer that the trials could be seen as an example of power dynamics where certain groups had the authority to label others as deviant.

What is the role of money in the power elite, as discussed in the video?

Money plays a significant role in the power elite, as it is often used to influence outcomes and decisions, particularly when it comes to wealthy or famous individuals.

Why are celebrities sometimes considered part of the power elite?

Celebrities can be considered part of the power elite due to their fame and wealth, which can grant them influence and potentially different treatment under the law compared to the general population.

How does the video differentiate between the power elite and political parties?

The video clarifies that being part of a political party or holding a majority in a political body does not automatically make one part of the power elite; the power elite is typically a small group of individuals with significant influence.

What is the significance of the number of people in the power elite?

The power elite is characterized by being a small group of individuals who wield a disproportionate amount of power and influence over larger populations.