Sociology of Elites

Who are elites in society and how did they “earn” such a status? This course examines the ecology of elites– those who hold disproportionate control over economic, social, and cultural capital in society. From educational to familial realms, we will explore theoretical concepts associated with social class and its reproduction, generation to generation. With a focus on the class-advantaged, we will consider the influence this group has on our social world, examining how those with significant resources affect the structures and cultures of schools, workplaces, social media, and more. We will also interrogate the role of identity within such spaces.