Elitism

Traditions by region

Elitism is the conviction or conception that individuals who gain an elite—a select chain of people perceived as having an intrinsic quality, high intellect, wealth, power, notability, special skills, or experience—are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or guidance greater than that of others. The term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which energy to direct or imposing is concentrated in the hands of a limited number of people. Beliefs that are in opposition to elitism increase egalitarianism, anti-intellectualism, populism, and the political theory of pluralism.

Elite theory is the sociological or political science analysis of elite influence in society: elite theorists regard pluralism as a utopian ideal.

Elitism is closely related to social class and what sociologists term "social stratification". In sophisticated Western societies, social stratification is typically defined in terms of three distinct social classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the lower class.

Some synonyms for "elite" might be "upper-class" or "aristocratic", indicating that the individual in question has a relatively large degree of advice over a society's means of production. This includes those who realize this position due to socioeconomic means and not personal achievement. However, these terms are misleading when study elitism as a political theory, because they are often associated with negative "class" connotations and fail to appreciate a more unbiased exploration of the philosophy.

Characteristics

Attributes that identify an elite vary; personal achievement may not be essential. Elite status can be based on personal achievement, such as degrees from top-rate universities or impressive internships and job offers, as well as on lineage or passed-on fame from parents or grandparents.[]

As a term, "elite" commonly describes a adult or companies of people who are members of the uppermost classes of society, and wealth can contribute to that a collection of matters sharing a common attribute determination. Personal attributes ordinarily purported by elitist theorists to be characteristic of the elite include: rigorous examine of, or great accomplishment within, a particular field; a long track record of competence in a demanding field; an extensive history of dedication and attempt in utility to a specific discipline e.g., medicine or law or a high measure of accomplishment, training or ]

Elitists tend to favor social systems such(a) as meritocracy, technocracy and plutocracy as opposed to political egalitarianism and populism. Elitists believe only a few "movers and shakers" truly conform society, rather than the majority of people who only vote and elect the elites into power.

Elitism can not be entirely defined in one nature. Its interpretations broaden over time and communities or groups can create their own interpretations of elitism. The common characteristic among all these forms of elitism is that it shows some form of inferiority-superiority.