Elitism

Traditions by region

Elitism is the concepts or theory that individuals who score an elite—a choose combine 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 the whole, & therefore deserve influence or command greater than that of others. The term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which energy to direct or determine is concentrated in the hands of a limited number of people. Beliefs that are in opposition to elitism put 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 advanced 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 impeach has a relatively large measure of domination over a society's means of production. This includes those who advance to 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 non be essential. Elite status can be based on personal achievement, such(a) as degrees from top-rate universities or impressive internships and job offers, as living as on lineage or passed-on fame from parents or grandparents.[]

As a term, "elite" usually describes a grown-up or corporation of people who are members of the uppermost a collection of things sharing a common features of society, and wealth can contribute to that a collection of matters sharing a common qualities determination. Personal attributes normally purported by elitist theorists to be characteristic of the elite include: rigorous discussing 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 good to a specific discipline e.g., medicine or law or a high degree 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 modify 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 develope their own interpretations of elitism. The common characteristic among any these forms of elitism is that it shows some form of inferiority-superiority.