The theory of elites

The theory of elites in classical form belongs to such figures as Pareto, Mosca, Michels. They initiated the development of subsequent concepts. Modern theories of elites are very diverse. Among them there are a number of directions.

The first group includes the theory of the Machiavellian elite. The basic position of the concept of this direction is grouped in this way:

1. Any society is recognized as elitist. Its division into the passive majority and the ruling minority (privileged) is a natural process, the result of the natural development of man and society.
2. The elite has special psychological qualities. Education and natural talent, first of all, determine belonging to it.
3. There is group cohesion. At the same time, the association is carried out not only according to social status or professional status, but also the presence of elite self-awareness, the perception of the peculiarity of the layer, the vocation of which is to manage society.
4. The elite, with its right to leadership in the political sense, to some extent recognize the masses.
5. Elite society is characterized by structural consistency, despite changes in the personal composition. In other words, the relations of domination remain basically unchanged.
6. Elites change and are formed in the process of power struggle. The high position in the society wants to occupy many people with outstanding economic and psychological qualities. However, no one wants to voluntarily give up their position or fast.

The value theory of elites classifies a privileged society as a constructive basic social force. Together with this, the position of the adherents of this concept is much milder in relation to democracy. In general, supporters of this doctrine tend to adapt it (the teaching) to the real life of modern democratic countries. Among the main features of this concept it should be noted:

1. The elite is considered to be the most valuable social element, endowed with high indicators and abilities in the sectors most needed for the state.
2. The privileged, dominant position of the higher society is in the interests of society as a whole, since it is the most productive and initiative part of the population endowed with high moral goals.
3. The formation of elite society occurs not only as a result of the struggle for power, but also due to the natural selection of the most valuable representatives in society.
4. The privilege of the social stratum follows naturally from equality of opportunity, not contradicting modern ideas about democracy. At the same time, social equality is understood as equality of available opportunities, not status or results. In the conditions of the initial inequality in power, intellect, democracy activity, they should be provided with approximately the same starting conditions. However, at the same time they will come to the finish with different results and at different times.

The following theory of elites reveals the notion of "democratic elitism". The concept is to understand democracy as a competitive manifestation of the potential of leaders for the voices and trust of voters. The leadership is not only seen as a group with important managerial qualities, but also as a defender of democratic values.

The concept of the plurality of elites denies this layer in the form of a single group. The privileged groups, according to this teaching, are a set with limited scope for each field of activity.

The antithesis of this concept is the left-liberal theory. The top management level, according to its adherents, is occupied by the ruling group, which does not allow the remainder of the population to government.

The theory of political elites defines a privileged society as a minority that is sufficiently independent, has high political, social and psychological qualities, taking part directly in the adoption and implementation of decisions that involve the use of state power or influence on it.