Interview 4 People: 2 Peers And 2 Parents Ask Them Why

Interview 4 People 2 Peer Aged And 2 Parent Aged Ask Them Who Rule

Interview 4 people. 2 peer aged and 2 parent aged. Ask them, "Who rules America?" Use probes (like, "say more about that," "what exactly do you mean?", "How so?" etc.) to get them to elaborate. But do NOT lead them with questions that suggest your own views, give the "hints" as to sociological views, etc. Write up their responses (NOT verbatim) in about 2 pages. Tie your analysis of their responses into our course material where appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of power and authority shaping the governance of America is complex and multifaceted, often perceived differently across generations. In this exploration, I interviewed four individuals—two peers in their 20s and two parents in their 50s—to understand their perceptions of who holds power in America today. Their responses reveal varying interpretations of authority, influenced by personal experiences, media consumption, and societal understanding.

The younger interviewees, both in their 20s, approached the question of "Who rules America?" with a focus on economic and political influences. One peer emphasized the role of wealthy elites, specifically citing billionaires and major corporations, suggesting that significant financial power translates into political influence. When prompted to elaborate, they explained that these corporate giants and wealthy individuals fund campaigns and sway policy decisions, effectively shaping government priorities. This perspective aligns with the sociological theory of the "power elite," as articulated by C. Wright Mills, who proposed that a small group of interconnected elites hold sway over national policy regardless of electoral processes (Mills, 1956).

The second peer, however, expressed a broader view, mentioning government institutions, including Congress and the Supreme Court, as primary rulers. They pointed out that laws and judicial decisions set frameworks within which society operates, indicating a belief in formal institutions as the locus of power. When asked to clarify, they highlighted how legislation and court rulings often reflect the interests of powerful societal groups, such as corporate interests, which supports the idea that political institutions are influenced by economic elites—again tying into Mills' notion of the "power elite." This respondent also acknowledged the role of media and public opinion, noting that these can influence policymaking but ultimately serve as tools for those in power.

The two parents, in their 50s, offered perspectives rooted more in societal norms and traditional authority figures. One parent viewed government officials—particularly presidents, Congress members, and local leaders—as the rulers of America. They emphasized that these elected officials are personifications of societal authority, responsible for directing policy and safeguarding national interests. When probed further, they remarked that while these officials are elected by the people, in practice, economic interests and special interest groups often determine policy agendas, hinting at a system where formal authority is compromised by behind-the-scenes influence.

The second parent expressed the belief that "the people" rule America, referencing the democratic process as the core mechanism. They explained that voting and civic participation are the expressions of the people's authority. However, when asked to elaborate, they acknowledged that economic disparities and media influence can distort this ideal, suggesting that true power often lies with those who control economic resources and information, echoing themes from sociological discussions on power and social stratification.

Overall, all four respondents recognized that authority and influence in America extend beyond simple elections or government institutions. The younger participants tended to emphasize economic elites and corporate power—echoing Marxist and elitist sociological theories—while also acknowledging the role of formal institutions. The older respondents reflected on political figures and democratic processes but admitted that these are often veneers for deeper economic and societal interests. Their responses underline that power in America is concentrated within networks of economic, political, and social forces working in tandem, aligning well with sociological models of elite domination and corporate influence.

In conclusion, these interviews illustrate that perceptions of "who rules America" are multifaceted and context-dependent. They demonstrate an awareness of the complex interplay between formal political authority and the influential power of economic and societal elites. This nuanced understanding is consistent with sociological literature that critiques the veneer of democracy and highlights the enduring influence of elite interests in shaping national policy and societal structures.

References

• Mills, C. W. (1956). The Power Elite. Oxford University Press.
• Crowley, T., & Meddaugh, T. (2014). American Government: Roots and Reform. Cambridge University Press.