SOCIOL 2S06 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: The Power Elite, Talcott Parsons, Elite
6 Mar 2017
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Criticisms: definition of classes- classes are conflict groups arising out of the authority structure of imperatively coordinated associations. A very large number of specific classes in any given society (renders the concept of class virtually useless) Criticism suggests this is too simplistic, organizations are too complex. Complex systems of authority in a private company, a government, and many other organizations. Theoretical orientation- marxian influenced american sociologist who wrote in the 1950s. Unable to read german and did not have extensive knowledge of marx"s ideas. Reaction to structural functionalism- critical of structural functionalism. Adoption of marxian ideas- a marxian influenced theorist rather then a neo-marxian theorist. Theory of the power structure in the united states during the 1950s. The power elite (1956) - interlocking set of people who control dominant institutions in. American in the 1950s = a permanent war economy . The us was building its military against its perceived threat of the soviet union.
