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The exploration of mental illness is approached through three main lenses: biological, psychological, and sociological. The sociological perspective, rooted in Durkheim's studies, emphasizes how societal structures and cultural contexts influence mental health, viewing mental illness as a deviation from social norms. This perspective has evolved, with prominent theories including Stress Theory, Structural Strain Theory, and Social Constructivism, particularly labeling theory and Foucault's critiques. The paper critiques the historical neglect of mental health within sociology, highlighting its importance in understanding social inequality.

Focusing on elite recruitment, this seminar paper explores the composition and cohesion of the upper stratification hierarchy, building on C. Wright Mills' foundational work. It investigates patterns of elite recruitment, examining whether elites form distinct groups or a unified class. The study also analyzes the openness of these elite groupings, assessing elite mobility and the influence of social origins, particularly elite backgrounds, on the likelihood of achieving elite status. Key questions about social stratification and mobility are addressed throughout.

The paper explores the often-overlooked influence of religion on socioeconomic status, building on Weber's analysis of the Protestant work ethic. It critiques contemporary social stratification research for prioritizing race, class, and gender while neglecting religion's role in shaping individual opportunities. The author argues that despite the perception of increasing secularism in modern societies, religion continues to impact social and economic chances, challenging the notion that it has diminished in significance within public life.