Elites: Sociological Aspects

Abstract

Elites are defined as small groups of people who exert substantial power and influence. In this article, the definition and listing of the elites in contemporary society is followed by an overview of elite theories and analyses, their critique and responses to such critique. The overview of classical mainstream elite theory emphasizes the central idea that in all societies, including democratic ones, organized minorities rule unorganized majorities. The subsequent overview of classical democratic elite theory brings out the central idea that democracy is nevertheless distinctive, because, in it, elites have some autonomy from each other and countervail each other's power. The overview of contemporary elite theories stresses their variety. Most posit a consensus and collusion among elites and the virtual powerlessness of the public, even in a democracy. By contrast, democratic elite theory views the relative autonomy of elites as the central metaprinciple of democracy. It also highlights the threats to democracy that spring from its subversion, as even in Western countries elites develop a close connection with each other. This is followed by an overview of the most recent developments in elite analyses. These focus on linkages between elites and the public and on deficiencies in such linkages. In addition, they focus on ramifications of such deficiencies for democracy, and on new types of elites generated by the demise of communism in Eastern Europe, by the information society, and by globalization.