Class Domination Theory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'collective power' refer to?

Institutionalized domination

Power indicator

Power of the upper class

Power of 'the people' used for the labor movement (correct)

What is the definition of 'distributive power'?

Power of the upper class

What does 'domination' mean in the context of class domination theory?

Domination of the upper class is institutionalized, it is structural, and less visible

What is class domination theory?

There is an upper class with power to obtain what they want despite resistance, and they are both an economic and social class Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'issue of class' imply?

Those born in the upper class only share education, interactions, memberships, and experiences with those of the same class. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are included in 'organizational networks'?

Politics Signup and view all the answers

What are 'power indicators'?

Who benefits? Who governs? Who wins? Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Sherman Anti-trust Act?

Monopolies accrue too much political power Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'concentration of corporate communities' refer to?

500 companies make 1/2 the profit/sales/ownership Signup and view all the answers

Define 'shared monopolies'.

4 or fewer companies control 50% or more of an industry Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'shared ownership'?

Share ownership of some third company Signup and view all the answers

What are 'direct interlocks'?

Illegal via Clayton Act of 1914, members on board of directors of 'competing' companies exchange or trade Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'indirect interlock'?

Sitting on the board of a 3rd party Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'strategic alliance'?

Groups of corporations come together to make a product like an iPhone Signup and view all the answers

What do 'power networks' signify?

Powerful will give money to candidates who will legislate in their favor, special interests influence decision making Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'candidate selection process'?

Campaign funding, citizens united Signup and view all the answers

What does 'lobbying' involve?

Lobbyists hired by industry/company/front group, around 12,000 registered in DC Signup and view all the answers

What are 'think tanks'?

$ funneled through think tanks for corp that they benefit, 'knowledge' producing institutions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Collective and Distributive Power

Collective power refers to the strength of "the people," historically significant in labor movements; for example, a minimum wage adjustment was $13.83.
Distributive power is held by the upper class, influencing economic and social dynamics within society.

Class Domination Mechanics

Domination by the upper class is not only institutional but also structural, making it less visible to the general populace.
Class domination theory asserts the existence of an upper class possessing the means to fulfill their desires regardless of opposition, identified as both an economic and social class.

Class Issues and Wealth Control

Upper-class individuals share exclusive educational experiences, interactions, and memberships, reinforcing their social bonds and privileges.
This class owns and controls wealth that generates income, establishing a significant economic divide.

Organizational Networks

Key organizational networks that influence power dynamics include religion, military, economy, and politics, each serving distinct roles in societal structures.

Indicators of Power

Indicators of power are associated with questions of benefit, governance, and success, evaluating who gains from systems in place.

Corporate Dynamics and Monopoly Regulations

The Sherman Antitrust Act addresses concerns regarding monopolies that acquire excessive political power.
A staggering concentration of wealth is seen where just 500 companies generate half of the profits, sales, and ownership.
Shared monopolies exist when four or fewer companies dominate over 50% of an industry.

Ownership and Interlock Structures

Shared ownership involves co-ownership of a third entity, indicating interconnected financial interests.
Direct interlocks, which involve board members from competing firms, are prohibited under the Clayton Act of 1914, highlighting regulatory attempts to prevent conflicts of interest.
Indirect interlocks entail participation on boards of third-party companies, diversifying influence across sectors.

Strategic Alliances and Corporations

Strategic alliances enable corporations to collaborate on product development, such as the creation of an iPhone, integrating resources for innovation.

Power Networks and Political Influence

Power networks are established where affluent individuals financially support political candidates who align with their interests, facilitating legislative manipulation.
Special interest groups exert considerable influence over decision-making processes and public policy, often skewing them in favor of the upper class.

Candidate Selection and Lobbying

The candidate selection process incorporates campaign funding, notably impacted by the Citizens United ruling, magnifying financial influences in politics.
Lobbying involves the hiring of lobbyists by various industries or front groups, with approximately 12,000 registered in Washington D.C., granting them access to key political figures and resources.

Think Tanks as Influencers

Corporations utilize think tanks to funnel funds, producing "knowledge" that benefits corporate interests and influences public discourse and policy.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key terms and concepts of Class Domination Theory. These flashcards cover essential vocabulary such as collective power, distributive power, and the structural nature of domination by the upper class. Perfect for students studying sociology or political science.