Final answer:
Members of society showcase their power and wealth by living in exclusive places, flaunting expensive possessions, and exercising influence over employment and culture. Distinctions between 'old money' and 'new money' further highlight the traditional social standings and behaviors associated with wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Members of society exemplify their power and wealth in various ways. Those in the upper class are able to flaunt their wealth by inhabiting exclusive settings, such as country clubs and gated communities, which are symbols of luxury and comfort. Moreover, they may purchase high-end sports cars and mansions as further demonstrations of their economic capability.
Money also translates to power beyond material possessions. Members of the upper class who operate as corporate leaders or media owners wield significant influence by making decisions affecting employment and shaping cultural identity at a broad scale. This extends even to the realm of education, where as board members at prestigious institutions, they can affect cultural attitudes and values, and as philanthropists, they can support social causes that align with their interests.
U.S. society recognizes a distinction between 'old money' and 'new money,' with the former often having higher social prestige. Individuals from 'old money' backgrounds are typically socialized into the norms and customs of the upper class, sometimes opting for careers that manage family fortunes, or turning their socialite status into celebrity. In contrast, individuals with 'new money' might also make bold displays of wealth but might not be as integrated into established upper-class customs.