theory of elites in the classical form belongs to such figures as Pareto, Mosca, Michels.They laid the foundation for the development of future concepts.Modern theories of the elite are very diverse.Among them are a number of areas.
The first group includes the theory of Machiavellian elite school.Basic concept of this direction are grouped in such a way:
- elitism recognized any society.Its division into passive majority and rule the minority (privileged) is a natural process, the result of the natural development of man and society.
- Elite has special psychological qualities.Education and natural talent, first of all, determine the status of it.
- There is group cohesion.This association is carried out not only according to the social status or professional status, but also the presence of the elite consciousness, perception of particular layer, whose vocation - to manage society.
- Elite with its right to leadership in a political sense, to some extent recognize weight.
- elitist society differs structural persistence, despite the changes in the personal composition.In other words, basically remain unchanged relations of domination.
- elites are changing and are formed in the struggle for power.The high position in society are willing to take a lot with outstanding economic and psychological qualities of people.However, no one seeks voluntarily cede their position or post.
Valuable elite theory refers to the privileged society of constructive basic social force.At the same time, the position of the adherents of this concept is much softer in relation to democracy.In general, proponents of this theory tend to adapt it (teaching) to the real life of modern democracies.Among the main features of the concept note:
- elite considered the most valuable social element endowed with high performance and abilities in the most necessary for the state industries.
- privileged, dominant position of high society in the interests of society as a whole, since it is the most productive and the initiative of the population, endowed with high moral purpose.
- formation of an elite society is not only a result of the struggle for power, but also through the natural selection of the most valuable in the community representatives.
- privilege social class derives from natural equality of opportunity, without contradicting the modern concept of democracy.This social equality is understood as equality of existing capacity, rather than the status or results.The initial conditions of inequality in power, intelligence, activity democracy should provide them approximately the same starting conditions.However, at the finish, they come with different results at different times.
Next elite theory reveals the concept of "democratic elitism."The concept is the understanding of democracy as a manifestation of the competitive capacity of leaders for votes and voter confidence.Steering layer is regarded not only as a group with significant managerial qualities, but also as a defender of democratic values.
concept of multiple elites denies this layer in the form of a single group.Privileged groups, according to this doctrine, a set with limits for each area of activity.
antipode of this concept is left-liberal theory.The top level guidance, according to its supporters, took the ruling group, which does not allow the rest of the population to public administration.
theory of political elites determines the privileged minority of society as a self-sufficient, possessing high political, social and psychological qualities, who participates directly in making and implementing decisions that involve the use of public authority or influence on her.
