Discuss the perspectives of Simmel, Veblen, Bourdieu, and Blumer ...

[lb_gilbert]

Discuss the perspectives of Simmel, Veblen, Bourdieu, and Blumer on the relationship between fashion and social class.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Define mass behavior describe the most frequent types of this behavior.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[pratush dev]

Answer to Question 1

Simmel suggested a trickle down theory of fashion in which lower classes emulate

the styles of the upper classes, although these are increasingly vulgarized as they reach

the lower status levels. Veblen argued that fashion exists primarily as a means of

institutionalizing conspicuous consumption by members of the upper classes. Bourdieu

also saw fashion as a means of differentiating between members of different social

classes. He suggested that matters of taste were a form of cultural capital, access to

which separates social classes. In contrast, Blumer argued that fashion is the product

of collective mood, tastes, and choices. Members of the lower classes do not emulate

the upper classes. Blumer stated that taste is the product of social interaction, of

experience. Today, many fashions originate in the lower classes and are imitated by the

elite, lending support to Blumer's perspective.

Answer to Question 2

Not all collective behavior takes place in face-to-face collectivities. Mass behavior is

collective behavior that takes place when people who may be geographically separated

from one another respond to the same event in much the same way. The most frequent

types of mass behavior are rumors, gossip, mass hysteria, fads, fashions, and public

opinion. Rumors are unsubstantiated reports on an issue or subject. Rumors thrive

when tensions are high and when little authentic information is available on an issue of

great concern. People are willing to give rumors credence when no opposing

information is available. Rumors come from a wide variety of sources and may be

difficult to trace. Whereas rumors deal with an issue or a subject, gossip refers to

rumors about the personal lives of individuals, such as celebrity stories in tabloid

magazines. Mass hysteria is a form of dispersed collective behavior that occurs when a

large number of people react with strong emotions and potentially self-destructive

behavior to a real or perceived threat. An example of mass hysteria or a panic with a

widely dispersed audience was actor Orson Welles's 1938 radio dramatization of H. G.

Wells's science fiction classic The War of the Worlds. A fad is a temporary but widely

copied activity enthusiastically followed by large numbers of people. Unlike fads,

fashions tend to be longer lasting. A fashion is defined as a currently valued style of

behavior, thinking, or appearance. Public opinion consists of the attitudes and beliefs

communicated by ordinary citizens to decision makers. It is measured through polls and

surveys, which use research methods such as interviews and questionnaires. As the

masses attempt to influence elites and vice versa, a two-way process occurs with the

dissemination of propagandainformati on provided by individuals or groups that have a

vested interest in furthering their own cause or damaging an opposing one. Although

many people think of propaganda in negative terms, the information provided can be

correct and can have a positive effect on decision making.

[lb_gilbert]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[dyrone]

Excellent