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THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE ELITE CLASS Elites, small groups of persons who exercise disproportionate power and influence. It is customary to distinguish between political elites, whose locations in powerful institutions, organizations, and movements enable them to shape or influence political outcomes, often decisively, and cultural elites, who enjoy a high status and influence in nonpolitical spheres such as arts and letters, philanthropy, professions, and civic associations. At the national level, political elites number only a few thousand persons in all but the largest countries, whereas the makeup of cultural elites is more indeterminate and turns on the nonpolitical spheres regarded as consequential in a society. In their social background, education, and occupations, elites are almost always more privileged than none lite populations. They come revealingly from wealthy families, some of whose members may have held elite positions in preceding generations. The frequency with which they hold university degrees—often from “elite” institutions—far exceeds the distribution of such education among none lite public. Elites also come disproportionately from high-status occupations—lawyers, teachers, and managers in the public or private sector. There are exceptions, of course. Significant proportions of civil-service elites have careers that begin in lowly positions and involve long climbs to the top. Self-made entrepreneurs are certainly not unknown among business elites. Historically, the elites of trade unions and various social movements exhibited modest backgrounds and educations, though they are now predominantly middle-class in background and university-educated in industrialized countries. Elite-level politicians are increasingly involved in full-time careers in or close to politics, often starting as student political leaders and then serving on leading politicians’ staffs or holding paid positions in parties; they may also come from politically relevant careers in journalism, public relations, and think tanks. Historically, elites have consisted almost entirely of men, and men continue to outnumber women greatly in most elite sectors. In multi-ethnic or multiracial societies, elite persons usually belong to the largest or otherwise dominant ethnic or racial population. Finally, in average age, elites tend to be significantly older than none elites. Research shows, however, that such differences between elites and none elites are gradually being reduced. For example, research on the social, educational, and occupational profiles of parliamentary elites in 11 European countries from the middle of the 19th century to the early 21st century reveals a long trend toward less exclusive and privileged profiles. Changes in the gender makeups of elites are also now quite evident. It is possible, moreover, that the preponderance of bureaucratic and service work in many contemporary societies is intermingling elites and non-elites in important ways. Both elites and none elites perform essentially similar no manual tasks and not infrequently rub shoulders in offices. Because elites now more frequently ascend to their positions from none lite origins than in the rigidly stratified societies of earlier times, not a few see themselves as one of a kind with none elites, among whom they have intimate personal associates and for whom they have considerable empathy. Such closer and more-empathetic ties may dispose elites toward actions that better reflect and represent none elite desires and interests. Elites seldom enjoy complete autonomy. To carry out major initiatives and to perpetuate their hold on power, elites need none elite support. To win it, elites may appeal to none elite interests and to shared political orientations. Failure to win none elite support frequently shortens elite tenures or undermines their power. How much autonomy elites have—and should have—are questions that have long dogged discussions of “democratic elitism.” In his seminal book Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy (1942), the American economist Joseph Schumpeter argued that democracy is simply a method by which voters select governing leaders and elites, who should then be left alone to get on with the business of governing. For Schumpeter, in other words, democracy combines autonomous governance by leaders and elites with time-limited mandates to govern given by the voting public in periodic elections. However, many critics of democratic elitism claim that this too blithely assumes that leaders and elites are creative and responsible actors who can safely be entrusted with autonomy. Three of the most-influential figures in elite theory—the jurist and philosopher Gaetano Mosca, the economist and sociologist Vilfredo Pareto, and the political sociologist and economist Robert Michels—also stressed the persistence of elites. The formation of elite groups, they argued, is inescapable in modern societies and imposes limits on what is possible in politics. They maintained, for example, that genuine democratic systems are impossible because there will always be self-interested elites who will out organize and outwit the people. The most that can be hoped for, in their view, is a relatively liberal but still quite unequal order led by elites who are capable and enlightened. But, they noted, elites in most societies, both historically and in the present, fall well short of those attributes, so politics is likely to continue to involve fierce power struggles between ambitious elites. These individuals who hold a disproportionate amount of power, wealth, influence, or social status within a society. These individuals often enjoy privileged positions and have access to resources, opportunities, and networks that are not readily available to the majority of the population.
The composition of the elite class can vary depending on the context, culture, and socioeconomic structure of a society. In many cases, the elite class includes wealthy individuals such as billionaires, business tycoons, high-ranking corporate executives, and influential politicians. However, it can also encompass other influential groups, such as influential intellectuals, academics, celebrities, or members of the nobility.
The elite class often shapes and influences societal norms, policies, and decision-making processes. They may exert control over economic systems, political institutions, and cultural narratives, which can contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality and the concentration of power.
It is important to note that the concept of the elite class is subjective and can be subject to interpretation and debate. Different societies may have different criteria for defining and identifying their elite class, and the perception of who belongs to the elite can change over time.
The elite class consists of individuals who hold the highest positions of wealth, power, and influence within a society. While the specific individuals who comprise the elite class can vary depending on the society and context, they generally include the following groups:
1. Business and Corporate Leaders: CEOs, executives, and owners of large corporations and businesses often belong to the elite class. These individuals wield significant economic power and influence through their control of major companies and their accumulated wealth.
2. Political Leaders: High-ranking politicians, government officials, and members of influential political families are often part of the elite class. They hold positions of authority and have the ability to shape policies, make important decisions, and exercise political power.
3. Financial and Investment Elites: Individuals working in the financial sector, such as investment bankers, hedge fund managers, and venture capitalists, can be part of the elite class. They control substantial financial resources and play a significant role in shaping the global economy.
4. Wealthy Entrepreneurs: Successful entrepreneurs who have built large-scale businesses and amassed considerable wealth can be considered part of the elite class. These individuals often have significant influence, not only through their wealth but also through their entrepreneurial achievements.
5. High-ranking Professionals: Certain high-ranking professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and top-tier academics, may be part of the elite class. These individuals often possess specialized knowledge, hold prestigious positions, and have access to influential networks.
6. Media and Entertainment Figures: Prominent figures in the media, entertainment, and sports industries can be part of the elite class. These individuals often have widespread fame, substantial wealth, and the ability to shape public opinion.
7. Cultural and Intellectual Elites: Individuals who have achieved recognition and influence in the realms of arts, literature, academia, and cultural production can be considered part of the elite class. These individuals often possess significant cultural capital and shape intellectual discourse.
It's important to note that the composition of the elite class can vary across different societies and can change over time. Additionally, the elite class is not a monolithic group but rather consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying degrees of wealth and power.
The Attributes Of The Elite Class When discussing the attributes of the elite class, there are several qualities that are commonly associated with this group of individuals. These attributes can vary depending on the context and culture, but some general characteristics often associated with the elite class include:
1. Wealth: The elite class is commonly associated with substantial wealth and financial resources. They often possess considerable assets, investments, and access to exclusive opportunities.
2. Education: Many individuals in the elite class have received high-quality education, often attending prestigious schools and obtaining advanced degrees. This educational background can contribute to their success and influence.
3. Social Status: Being a member of the elite class often comes with a certain level of social recognition and prestige. They may hold influential positions in society, have prominent social connections, and be well-regarded within their communities.
4. Power and Influence: The elite class often wields significant power and influence, whether in the realms of politics, business, or other areas. They may hold positions of leadership and have the ability to shape decisions and policies.
5. Network and Connections: The elite class tends to have strong networks and connections, which can be utilized to further their interests and goals. These connections may provide access to exclusive circles, resources, and opportunities.
6. Access to Opportunities: Due to their financial resources and social standing, the elite class often has greater access to opportunities in various domains, such as business ventures, investments, and prestigious career paths.
It is important to note that these attributes are generalized and may not apply to every individual in the elite class. Additionally, the notion of an elite class can be subjective and vary depending on societal and cultural contexts.
ReferencesFerrari, G. R. F., ed. Plato: The Republic. Translated by Tom Griffith. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2003. Hayes, Christopher. Twilight of the Elites: America after Meritocracy. New York: Crown Publishers, 2012. Higley, John, and Michael Burton. Elite Foundations of Liberal Democracy. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2006. Howard, Adam, and Rubén A. Gaztambide-Fernández. Educating Elites: Class Privilege and Educational Advantage. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2010. Mills, C. Wright. The Politics of Truth: Selected Writings. Selected and Introduced by John H. Summers. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2008. Santas, Gerasimos, ed. The Blackwell Guide to Plato's Republic. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
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