PO345 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Elite Theory, Elitism, Limited Government
Document Summary
Identification of political forces in society: simplification or clarification. 2: communication of relevant knowledge, providing a line of inquiry, suggest explanations for political events and outcomes. Summary of elite theory: society is divided into the few who have power and the many who do not. Only a small number of persons allocate values for society; the masses do not decide public policy: the few who govern are not typical of the masses who are governed. Elites are drawn disproportionately from the upper socioeconomic strata of society: the movement of non-elites to elite positions must be slow and continuous to maintain stability and avoid revolution. Elites influence masses more than masses influence elites. Administers carry out the policies of those at the top (elite) In a pluralistic society, power is diffused and multi-centred. Governments have to be mindful of who is concerned about the issue. Government: once there has been discussion on compromises, enacting those compromises, enforcing compromises.
