Q. What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss. (UPSC CSE Sociology Optional, 2018 | 10 Marks)
Introduction
Vilfredo Pareto, in his Elite Theory, argued that every society is governed by a small minority called the elite. These individuals occupy positions of power because of their superior abilities, and they play a dominant role in decision-making and governance.
I. Basic Characteristics of Elites According to Pareto
1. Minority Group
Elites constitute a small section of society, while the majority remains non-elite.
Example: Cabinet ministers and top administrators.
2. Superior Qualities
They possess exceptional intelligence, leadership, administrative ability, wealth, or organizational skills that enable them to occupy influential positions.
Example: Successful political leaders rising to national leadership.
3. Occupy Strategic Positions of Power
Elites control major political, economic, military, and administrative institutions.
Example: Senior bureaucrats influencing public administration.
4. Heterogeneous in Nature
Elites are not a single group; they include political, economic, religious, military, and intellectual elites.
Example: Industrialists and judges belonging to different elite categories.
5. Circulation of Elites
No elite remains permanently in power. Old elites gradually decline and are replaced by new elites.
Example: Rise of OBC political leadership after the Mandal era.
6. Lions and Foxes
Pareto classified elites into ‘Lions’, who rely on force and tradition, and ‘Foxes’, who rely on diplomacy, manipulation, and innovation.
Example: Military rulers representing Lions, while coalition politicians resemble Foxes.
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II. Critical Analysis.
1. Relevant in Modern Democracies
Leadership changes, but elite rule often continues in different forms.
Example: Corporate and political elites influencing public policy.
2. Democratic Critique
Pluralists argue that democratic institutions, elections, and civil society reduce elite domination.
Example: Electoral defeat of powerful governments.
Conclusion
Pareto’s theory highlights that elites are an inevitable feature of every society because of differences in abilities and leadership. His concepts of elite circulation and Lions and Foxes continue to explain changes in political leadership, although democracy has expanded opportunities for wider participation.
Thinkers
- Vilfredo Pareto – Elite Theory, Circulation of Elites.
- Gaetano Mosca – Ruling Class Theory.
- Robert Michels – Iron Law of Oligarchy.
- C. Wright Mills – Power Elite.
| POLITICS AND SOCIETY { BOTH P1 &P2 } | |
| POWER ELITE | |
| 2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss the importance of ‘power elite’ in democracy. 10 | ANSWER |
| 2022 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Discuss the changing natures of structure of political elites. 10 | ANSWER |
| 2018 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| What according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites ? Discuss. 10 | ANSWER |
| 2019 ||| Paper 1 – 7c | Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10 Marks | ANSWER |
| 2019 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| What are the theoretical models of societal power ? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies ? 20 | ANSWER |
| 2020 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.” Comment. 20 | ANSWER |
| 2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario. 10 | ANSWER |
| 2023 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate | ANSWER |