Old Money v. New Money

The Great Gatsby

Old Money

Inherited wealth

When families have had money for three or more generations

Money is not a big deal because it has always been in their family.

People from old money are considered to be classic, conservative, and less modern

Examples of Old Money

The Rockefeller's

The Vanderbilt’s

Kennedy’s

Carnegie’s

New Money

Money acquired in a person’s lifetime or generation

Emphasizes idea that an individual was previously part of lower socioeconomic rank

The “new money” has allowed the individual to acquire goods or luxuries that were previously unattainable

Can be seen as a derogatory term for the purpose of social class distinction

Examples of New Money

Movie stars

Musicians

Professional athletes

Lottery Winners

Old Money v. New Money Activity

Directions: Look at the pictures given to you. Each one represents a characteristic of either old money or new money.

1. Number each picture and label whether it is old money or new money.

2. Explain whey EACH picture represents old money or new money.

Old Money v. New Money Analysis

Directions: Answer these questions after you complete the old money v. new money activity.

1. Do you think F. Scott Fitzgerald would be considered old money or new money? Explain your choice below.

 2. Which classification of money would his wife Zelda fit into? Explain your choice below.

 3. Why does the conflict between old money and new exist? They are both rich, so why is there a social disparity between the two types of money. Explain what causes the conflict between old money and new money.