By the term elite we
mean superior persons or the persons belonging to a class which is above the
average masses.
Pareto’s theory of the elites has exercised a massive
influence, and has proved altogether more acceptable. But as he states it, his
theory is just the beginning of wisdom. To begin with he concentrates solely on
the traits of inferiority and superiority and of psychological type.
According to Pareto, all men
are not equal. They differ among themselves in regard to their capacities and
abilities. Some are more intelligent, efficient and capable than others. On
account this difference in regard to abilities, there is social stratification.
Some belong to superior class by virtue of their higher qualifications.
CLASSES OF ELITES
Pareto has
distinguished two classes of elites. These are:
a.
Governing Elites. In this class are included
persons who are directly or indirectly concerned with administration. These
persons play highly important role and enjoy prestigious place in society.
b.
Non-Governing Elites. In this class are included
persons who are not connected with administration but occupy such a place in
society that they somehow influence the administration.
CIRCULATON OF ELITES
In every society there are two main groups. The one is
concerned with government and usually controls the means of production and is
therefore rich. The other group is constituted
by those who are poor and governed.
This fact is expressed by saying that in every society we
find upper and lower classes. The upper classes are elite and the lower are
non-elite. However, the distinction of elite and non-elite is neither permanent
nor fixed. There is up and down movement of members of elite and non-elite.
An elite may degenerate into non-elite and an non-elite may
rise to the level of elite. This exchange between classes is technically known
as circulation of elite. This exchange between classes is technically known as
circulation of elites. No society can maintain status quo indefinitely, there
are bound to be changes which may adversely class does its best to prevent the
entry of the member of non-governing class into its fold, it is not always
successful in this. As Pareto observes, history is a graveyard of
aristocracies. They do not last long; they are doomed to disappear by thinking
down of their membership.
The up and down movement of elite takes place in two ways. Firstly, some non-elite by their merit
may rise to the level of elite and secondly
by revolution the entire governing class may be reduced to the status of the
governed. Indeed, in the opinion of Pareto,
circulation of elite is necessary for healthy social change. A slowing down of
this circulation of individuals may result in a considerable increase of the
degenerate elements in the classes which still hold power, and on the other
hand, in an increase of elements of superior quality in subject classes. In
such case the social equilibrium becomes unstable and the slightest shock will
destroy it. A conquest or revolution produces an upheaval which brings a new
elite to power and establishes a new equilibrium.
Refer to
The Mind And Society-a Treatise On General Sociology by Vilfredo Pareto
Sociological Thought: From Comte to Sorokin_ Marx, Spencer, Pareto, Durkheim, Simmel, Weber, Mannheim by M Francis Abraham & John Henry Morgan
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