Power, Wealth and Status

Common to the sociological theories of Gramsci and Baudrillard is a concept of power significantly influenced by Marxist principles. Gramsci and Baudrillard share the Marxist perception of conflict and competition for resources as the basis of society, involving two distinct classes, the bourgeoisie or ruling-class and the proletariat or working-class. This social stratification derives from the relationship between these social groups and the means of production. In capitalist societies, social stratification serves as a mechanism …

…Unknown) Baudrillard extends this by stating that the power of the dominant class and hyper-reality pervade society to such an extent that social revolution is implausible. (Bignell, p11) However, he predicts the collapse of capitalist society through 'hyperconformism' or passivity as a form of refusal and non-reception. The simulation of reality that occurs through the mass media will increase to the extent that the audience becomes numb to the 'desires' portrayed through advertising. (Bignell, p29)