7.4-How Do Elites Maintain Stratification

How Do Elites Maintain Stratification? 7.4 Discuss the ways that elites keep themselves in power. Suppose that you are part of the ruling elite of your society. You want to make sure that you and your family and friends are going to be able to keep your privileged position for the next generation. How will you accomplish this? You might think about passing laws and using the police and the military. After all, you are a member of the ruling elite, so you have this power. You could use force, but this can lead to resentment and rebellion. It is more effective to control people’s ideas, information, and technology—which is just what the elite try to do. Let’s look at some of their techniques.