Constructing Social Hierarchies: The Role of Excess and Exclusivity

In today's rapidly changing world, the concepts of excess and exclusivity function not so much as objective characteristics as they do as powerful guidelines that help society structure itself and assign roles. Introducing these ideas into social consciousness creates a clear hierarchy where every individual or group is given its specific place—even if these traits are not innate, but rather the result of societal expectations and norms.

In the main part of the analysis, it is noted that the concept of creative excess is often juxtaposed with the positive qualities inherent in different segments of society. For instance, under a capitalist system, the working class is frequently deprived of additional creative opportunities, limiting its potential while simultaneously underscoring the rigidity of its social status. A similar trend is observed in religious organizations, where, amid intense competition for followers, the challenge of highlighting uniqueness and inimitability becomes paramount. Here, the multiplicity of choices acts as a catalyst for reinforcing identity, contributing to the further entrenchment of certain socially constructed images.

In conclusion, one can confidently state that the role of these concepts goes beyond objective characteristics, transforming them into tools for the distribution of statuses and the formation of societal expectations. Such a system not only enables a clear structuring of social space but also fosters constant self-definition and lively competition among groups, making our society dynamic and ever-evolving.


Is there truly a concept of exclusivity or excess in society?


Having considered the quotes, one can conclude that these notions are not objective entities; rather, they serve as normative reference points or criteria through which society distributes its roles, statuses, and expected qualities.

For example, one source explains in detail that the working class lacks not just a positive quality but an entire creative excess that could make it truly “remarkable”:
"The position of the working class in capitalist society... it is deprived of creative excess." (source: link )

Another source indicates that groups seeking to affirm their uniqueness are compelled to emphasize their exclusivity amid competition. This is particularly evident among religious organizations, where the multiplicity of choices drives them to further accentuate their distinctiveness:
"The sect strives for self-preservation and an increase in the number of followers. However, the situation of multiple religious choices forces it to further emphasize its own exclusivity and inimitability..." (source: link )

Thus, the concepts of exclusivity and excess in society are more accurately described as socially constructed characteristics. They are utilized to establish the position of an individual or group within a hierarchy, allowing society to operate based on differences and the distribution of roles rather than on inherent, objective properties of individuals or collectives.

Supporting citation(s):
"The position of the working class in capitalist society... it is deprived of creative excess." (source: link )
"The sect strives for self-preservation and an increase in the number of followers. However, the situation of multiple religious choices forces it to further emphasize its own exclusivity and inimitability..." (source: link )