What is elitism?
Elitism is the belief or attitude that a select minority of individuals—possessing superior intellect, wealth, specialized skills, or experience—are best suited to lead and deserve higher social status, power, or influence.
It concentrates decision-making in a small group, often disregarding the majority. This ideology often favors systems like meritocracy, technocracy, or plutocracy, in contrast to egalitarianism or populism.
Key Aspects of Elitism
Political and Social Power: Elitist theory argues that a small, interconnected group of people (the "power elite") controls key societal institutions, including government, corporations, and the military, often independent of the democratic process.
Basis for Status: Elites may be defined by factors like inherited wealth, exclusive education (e.g., in Britain, private schooling and Oxbridge), high intelligence, or specialized skills.
Pro-Hierarchy View: Elitism rejects the idea of social equality, arguing that hierarchies are necessary because some individuals are inherently more capable of contributing to society than others.
Opposing Viewpoints: Elitism is frequently opposed by egalitarianism (equality), populism (power to the common people), and pluralism (power is distributed among many groups).
Contexts of Elitism
Political: Belief that only a highly qualified few should govern, often treating the general populace as voters rather than participants in decision-making.
Cultural/Social: The view that certain forms of art, music, or intellect are superior, establishing standards that exclude others.
Economic: Power concentrated in individuals with significant economic resources.
Criticisms
Elitism is often criticized for enabling a narrow segment of the population to rule at the expense of the majority. It is sometimes viewed negatively as a form of social stratification that protects the interests of a privileged few, as noted by researchers examining the disproportionate number of privately educated individuals in top professional roles.
It concentrates decision-making in a small group, often disregarding the majority. This ideology often favors systems like meritocracy, technocracy, or plutocracy, in contrast to egalitarianism or populism.
Key Aspects of Elitism
Political and Social Power: Elitist theory argues that a small, interconnected group of people (the "power elite") controls key societal institutions, including government, corporations, and the military, often independent of the democratic process.
Basis for Status: Elites may be defined by factors like inherited wealth, exclusive education (e.g., in Britain, private schooling and Oxbridge), high intelligence, or specialized skills.
Pro-Hierarchy View: Elitism rejects the idea of social equality, arguing that hierarchies are necessary because some individuals are inherently more capable of contributing to society than others.
Opposing Viewpoints: Elitism is frequently opposed by egalitarianism (equality), populism (power to the common people), and pluralism (power is distributed among many groups).
Contexts of Elitism
Political: Belief that only a highly qualified few should govern, often treating the general populace as voters rather than participants in decision-making.
Cultural/Social: The view that certain forms of art, music, or intellect are superior, establishing standards that exclude others.
Economic: Power concentrated in individuals with significant economic resources.
Criticisms
Elitism is often criticized for enabling a narrow segment of the population to rule at the expense of the majority. It is sometimes viewed negatively as a form of social stratification that protects the interests of a privileged few, as noted by researchers examining the disproportionate number of privately educated individuals in top professional roles.
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