Three Features of Elite Theory
Psychological Elite Theory:
Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) sociologist + economist pointed out - 80% of land in Italy - owned by 20% of
pop.
Applied 'through any human society, in any age or country.
Pareto - study of incomes + many generations, concluded exists in all societies "an organised minority with
special talents, skills, abilities fitted to rule over a disorganised majority".
Psychological differences - inevitable those with superior qualities always take lions share.
No progress in human history + democracy is a fraud as some more fit to rule than others.
Elite always emerge + enrich themselves.
Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941) modern elites - superior organisational skills, useful gaining political power in
bureaucratic society.
Adhered 'circulation of elites theory' states - top of society sit the elite of the elite, control wealth +
power until they are unseated through revolution or upheaval by new aristocratic class.
Early elitist state - rule by oligarchy (rule by the few).
Inevitable + desirable - proven over time even Communist China + Soviet Union contained party elites
despite operating political regime based upon egalitarianism.
The Military-Industrial Complex:
C.Wright Mills American sociologist - 'The Power Elite' - relationship political, military + economic elite -
share common view.
Comprises 'military metaphysic', military definition of reality.
Asserts these people possess 'class identity' recognise themselves as separate + superior to rest of
society.
Interchangeability - horizontal mobility - move within + between 3 institutions + hold interlocking
directorates.
Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf US army 1956-1991 - on board of Remington + other
corporations.
Movement from defence to politics former CIA head Leon Panetta took US defence secretary role when
Robert Gates retired 2011.
CIA head was US Army General Petraeus.
Also claims American capitalism part of military capitalism.
Tanks, guns + missiles - interests both economic + military elites,
USA permanently at war + permanent war economy exists - 2011 55% US federal spending - war related.
Controversy over no-bid contracts by Bush admin. to Halliburton group, once run by ex-VP Dick Cheney.
Allegedly funded by Iraqi oil revenues - wasn't properly audited.
Before becoming president, Nixon flew all over world for Pepsi Cola Corporation + open up to new
markets.
Democratic elections are primarily a symbolic exercise:
Tie masses to establish order.
Observers (Dye + Seigler) no important differences between major political parties in W.Democracies.
Differences between parties not expected since politicians no matter political persuasion, are ruling elite
members.
After Q+A at Boots Company factory, Clegg, radio mic still on, recorded saying to Cameron "If we keep
doing this we won't find anything to disagree upon on the bloody TV debate".
Just after agreeing on every subject - Libya to NHS reforms + defence on Osborne's budget.
Despite being from 2 different political parties + ideologies.
Cameron son bank chairman + 5th cousin twice removed of Queen.
Clegg descendant of Russian aristocracy.
Brown was only PM who wasn't Oxbridge graduate.
Elite theorists argue elections create impression that elite represent interest of people.
Elite rule is justified + legitimated.
Psychological Elite Theory:
Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) sociologist + economist pointed out - 80% of land in Italy - owned by 20% of
pop.
Applied 'through any human society, in any age or country.
Pareto - study of incomes + many generations, concluded exists in all societies "an organised minority with
special talents, skills, abilities fitted to rule over a disorganised majority".
Psychological differences - inevitable those with superior qualities always take lions share.
No progress in human history + democracy is a fraud as some more fit to rule than others.
Elite always emerge + enrich themselves.
Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941) modern elites - superior organisational skills, useful gaining political power in
bureaucratic society.
Adhered 'circulation of elites theory' states - top of society sit the elite of the elite, control wealth +
power until they are unseated through revolution or upheaval by new aristocratic class.
Early elitist state - rule by oligarchy (rule by the few).
Inevitable + desirable - proven over time even Communist China + Soviet Union contained party elites
despite operating political regime based upon egalitarianism.
The Military-Industrial Complex:
C.Wright Mills American sociologist - 'The Power Elite' - relationship political, military + economic elite -
share common view.
Comprises 'military metaphysic', military definition of reality.
Asserts these people possess 'class identity' recognise themselves as separate + superior to rest of
society.
Interchangeability - horizontal mobility - move within + between 3 institutions + hold interlocking
directorates.
Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf US army 1956-1991 - on board of Remington + other
corporations.
Movement from defence to politics former CIA head Leon Panetta took US defence secretary role when
Robert Gates retired 2011.
CIA head was US Army General Petraeus.
Also claims American capitalism part of military capitalism.
Tanks, guns + missiles - interests both economic + military elites,
USA permanently at war + permanent war economy exists - 2011 55% US federal spending - war related.
Controversy over no-bid contracts by Bush admin. to Halliburton group, once run by ex-VP Dick Cheney.
Allegedly funded by Iraqi oil revenues - wasn't properly audited.
Before becoming president, Nixon flew all over world for Pepsi Cola Corporation + open up to new
markets.
Democratic elections are primarily a symbolic exercise:
Tie masses to establish order.
Observers (Dye + Seigler) no important differences between major political parties in W.Democracies.
Differences between parties not expected since politicians no matter political persuasion, are ruling elite
members.
After Q+A at Boots Company factory, Clegg, radio mic still on, recorded saying to Cameron "If we keep
doing this we won't find anything to disagree upon on the bloody TV debate".
Just after agreeing on every subject - Libya to NHS reforms + defence on Osborne's budget.
Despite being from 2 different political parties + ideologies.
Cameron son bank chairman + 5th cousin twice removed of Queen.
Clegg descendant of Russian aristocracy.
Brown was only PM who wasn't Oxbridge graduate.
Elite theorists argue elections create impression that elite represent interest of people.
Elite rule is justified + legitimated.
