The aim of our study is to conceptualize Manisa gentry, in terms of their social position in the social hierarchy and looking answers to the question whether they exist as a status group or not, despite generational change. In every part of Turkey, when asked about the gentry of that area, people mention certain names. These are generally well known families of a long-descent who have a decisive influence on the people of the region. In short, with its unique characteristics, the gentry have an important place in the social structure.
In Turkey, sociological studies are mainly concentrated on either village or urban studies. However, studies reflecting the social structure and specific dynamics of small towns are rare. We believe that significance of social stratification of the small towns in Turkey is high. On the other hand, with respect to understanding the social structure and stratification in small town a prominent group is the gentry as alocal elite group. In terms of their class situation gentry has a decisive place in the social stratification of a small town in particular due to its relative elite characteristic. From this point of view, we aim to contribute to the sociological understanding of small town studies in Turkey. Within this perspective in this study small town stratification is studied with a focus on the class situation of the gentry though an understanding of consumpiton preferences, lifestyle and tastes of the gentry in terms of living room furniture preferences.
