Question

The group Mills referred to as the "rearguard" of the present occupational structure was the young, new hires who were unwilling to offer any opposition to the power structure

true
false

Answer 1

C. Wright Mills' concept of the “rearguard” refers to traditional groups upholding the status quo, rather than young new hires. Instances like the formation of the Lowell Factory Girls Association exemplify opposition to power structures, contrary to the “rearguard” idea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term “rearguard” as used by sociologist C. Wright Mills does not refer to the “young, new hires who were unwilling to offer any opposition to the power structure.”

Mills’ concept of the “rearguard” generally refers to groups resistant to change or holding traditional views that maintain the status quo within power structures.

This is in contrast to progressive groups who seek to challenge and change societal norms and structures. In historical context, there have been several instances of worker organizations and unions, such as the Lowell Factory Girls Association, that formed to oppose management and promote their own interests during times of industrial and social conflict.