POLSCI 1G06 Lecture 8: The Elite Theory
8 Sep 2016
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Political science 1g06 2015 lecture 4a elite theory. Some individuals are capable of being more influential than others. Historically, society has been divided into two - those who rule and those who are ruled. Suggests that political institutions do not change the few from the many. The basic structure of power in a society does not change (pyramid, few on the top that control, many on the bottom who accept the process) Elite theory asks the question of why this has been the case and whether this inequality is an inescapable element of human society. To sum: for classical elite theorists, the divide between the two is an inevitability in any society. Two root cause explanations in elite theory: natural differences. Certain physiological and psychological characteristics confer a political advantage and thereby lead to elite domination. Differences/talents in individuals such as charisma, intelligence etc. There may be cases of social/political change.
