Elitism

Question 1

Definition of elitism

Answer 1

power inevitably concentrates in elites rather than the masses

Question 2

name 3 original key thinkers

Answer 2

Mosca
Michels
Pareto

Question 3

who brought back elite theory in the 1960’s and where?

Answer 3

Mills USA

Question 4

What is the anti-democratic concept?

Answer 4

democracy depends on citizens competence. The masses are ignorant, therefore democracy will always fail

Question 5

what is the anti-Marxist concept?

Answer 5

Russian revolution failure.
Tsarists elite replaced with Bolshevik elite.
the communist idea is Utopian, not realistic due to the nature of the masses

Question 6

What is the iron law of oligarchy?

Answer 6

Iron law of oligarchy: society is divided into a small elite = talented and powerful leaders and the large incompetent masses
(Michels)

Question 7

What is the circulation of elites?

Answer 7

Elites naturally perpetuate themselves, passing power down through generations= corruption
Need counter-elites eg. socialists joining the elite
Lions and foxes: Pareto

Question 8

What are professional politicians?

Answer 8

Elites recruiting from within the party, excluding ordinary citizens

Question 9

Elitist Policy making

Answer 9

movement between 3 groups- media, military, politicians