Elite Theory Flashcards
Overview of the elite theory of power
Theorists believe that all power in society rests with an elite group, even in democracies, who will dominate and use their power in their own interest
Are elite groups part of every society?
Yes, they are INEVITABLE just membership qualities will differ from society to society
What happened after the Russian Revolution?
In 1917, after the Tsar was overthrown Lenin and the communist party became the new elites and the state became an OLIGARCHY
What is an oligarchy?
Meaning “rule by the few”, it suggests that all decision makers in politics and society come from a select few, making decisions on their own behalf
Example of an oligarchy
In South America there is often an overlap between key families, the military and the church. They protect and promote their own status, and facilitate each others interests
What is the main belief of the Elite Theory of Power regarding elite rule?
Elite rule is inevitable due to differences between human beings
Who are the classical elite theorists mentioned?
Mosca and Pareto
According to Mosca, what distinguishes an elite from the mass of the governed?
Qualities that provide material, intellectual or moral superiority
What does Mosca emphasize as important in the formation of an elite?
Shared group characteristics and values
What educational background does Mosca suggest could serve as a basis for an elite? (England)
Public school education followed by Oxbridge
- “expected to drink from the cup of glory” at Eton
According to Pareto, what are the two types of elite individuals?
Lions and Foxes
What qualities do ‘Lions’ possess according to Pareto?
Forcefulness, emotion, and strength
Give examples of individuals that could be classified as ‘Lions’.
Mussolini, Erdoğan, Trump
What qualities do ‘Foxes’ possess according to Pareto?
Intelligence, policy, and strategy
Give examples of individuals that could be classified as ‘Foxes’.
Tony Blair, Barack Obama
What does Pareto suggest about the relationship between ‘Lions’ and ‘Foxes’ in society?
Society swings between the two factions
Fill in the blank: Mosca referred to an elite as being ‘distinguished from the mass of the governed by _______’.
[qualities that give them a certain material, intellectual or moral superiority]
True or False: Pareto believes that the most successful elites would only embody characteristics of one type, either Lions or Foxes.
False
What is the circulation of elites according to Pareto?
The idea that one elite may be replaced by another due to societal changes or revolution.
What elite replaced The Establishment in Britain during the 1960s to 1980s?
A new meritocratic elite.
What do elite theorists claim about democracy?
It is a façade; people choose from within the elite rather than deciding who runs the country.
Which two political parties in the USA are often drawn from the same social grouping?
Republicans and Democrats.
What impression do elections give according to elite theorists?
The impression of popular control.
What is the self-serving nature of the elite in a democracy?
The elite make decisions to preserve their power.
What happens when new groups come to power according to elite theorists?
They are absorbed into the governing elite and abandon their promises.
Who coined the term ‘displacement of goals’?
Michels.
What was the Labour party’s promise when they came to power in 1997?
To create a fairer society.
What happened to the wealth gap during the Labour party’s time in power?
It widened every year.
What type of group was Syriza in Greece?
A radical group elected in the wake of the economic crisis.
What did Syriza end up pursuing after being elected?
Establishment policies.
Fill in the blank: According to elite theorists, democracy is a _______.
[façade]
True or False: The elite wants people to believe they have a genuine democratic choice.
True.
