SOC 2112 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: The Power Elite, Elite, Elite Theory

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2112
• Professor: Joseph Sawan

Document Summary

Classical elite theory emphasizes that all societies are ruled by elites and the state is considered the political instrument by which the majority is ruled. That being said, there are two strata in the population: the non-elite (possible influence on the government is not a concern, the elite (governing elite and non-governing) The main idea here is that the ongoing replenishment of the governing elite by superior persons from a lower class is what secures the continuity of the elite rule. It rests in large part on individual qualities in both segments and willingness or not to use force to acquire and maintain this political power. The political elite: mos(cid:272)a"s fu(cid:374)da(cid:373)e(cid:374)tal idea replied upo(cid:374) a (cid:374)ew politi(cid:272)al theor(cid:455) of power. Pareto, society is divided into two classes: the ruling class (political elite, class that is ruled (masses) It is the ruling class that have power over the masses and directs society within their own interests.