The term "elite" comes from the Latin word eligo, which means "chosen", "best", "selective". In political science, sociology and other social sciences, an elite is a certain group of people who occupy a high position in society. When it comes to politics, these individuals have political power and hold high positions in government. If we are talking about the spiritual life of society, then the elite of society is the intelligentsia, a group of people who shape the taste, moral standards, etc.
Altimetry and axiological approaches in the interpretation of the term "elite"
Scientists distinguish two approaches in the interpretation of this concept, namely altimetry and axiological. According to the first, those who possess real influence and actual power belong to the elite, regardless of the level of their intelligence and moral and ethical qualities. The second, the axiological approach, which is also called value or meritocratic, is based on the original meaning of the term "elite". This interpretation is based on the individual qualities of the people in this group. They should be "best", stand out in society for their personal qualities, be smarter, more intelligent, more talented than others. Moreover, these characteristics are evaluated in comparison with the average indicators of the remaining members of society. Unfortunately, today the altimetry approach prevails - according to the principle "there is power - no mind."
Functions performed by the elite in society
1. Management of society.
2. The development of stereotypes and patterns of behavior in society.
3. The development of adaptive mechanisms.
Types of Elites
Classification of elites may occur depending on some criteria.
1. Depending on the field of activity, the elite is:
- political;
- economic;
- military;
- scientific and technical;
- cultural or spiritual.
Recently, a new kind has appeared in society - the business elite, which is somewhat akin to the economic elite, but nevertheless deserves to be considered a separate group.
2. Elites are also classified according to their attitude to power. According to this criterion, the following two types are distinguished:
- the ruling elite is a group of people at the head of power;
- non-ruling - counter-elite.
3. Depending on the level of decisions made, the elite is divided into the following types:
- the highest (national);
- average (regional);
- local.
4. Depending on what interests the elite expresses, it happens:
- professional;
- demographic
- ethnic
- religious.
5. And in accordance with the results of its activities, it can be:
- ruling;
- shadow;
- pseudo-elite;
- antielio.
Some types of elites can unite, creating new ones. For example, from the merger of the political and economic, an oligarchic is formed.
Elites are also usually divided into formal and informal. The influence and power of the first type are based on its leading positions in hierarchical structures. The informal elite is a group that, although it has a certain influence on society, is not related to power. To make it clear, we give an example of an informal look. There are leaders (these may be writers, journalists, artists, etc.) who, although they do not have any formal authority, but their opinion, their example, have an incredibly strong influence on the behavior of the masses.
Social elite
The upper layers of society in the system of social hierarchy, which have power and influence on other groups, are usually called the term "social elite". This category at different periods in the development of society became the object of sociological research, and various theories were created for this purpose. According to the most common of them, the social elite is a minority that has undeniable power and a strict right to make decisions.
Other theories see in the elite people performing the most important functions in society. Still others consider social a group of people who were able to achieve the highest levels in their activities, who have moral (including in terms of responsibility) and intellectual superiority over the rest of the mass. In any case, the elite is the pinnacle of the social pyramid, which, in turn, is divided into various groups. So, for example, distinguish political, national, cultural and other groups.
Political elite
Politelite is a special group of people who have concentrated in their hands the highest structures of power. In the modern world, in almost all states, the political elite has the greatest influence. Despite the fact that in most states there is a multi-party system, in some countries there is still a one-party system. Or the leading positions of one of the parties are so great that the ruling and political elites consist of the same group of people. In any case, the political elite in society is considered to be a group of privileged people who hold leadership positions in power structures, take a direct part in establishing the most important decisions where the use of power is necessary. Its members are people who have a significant amount of state and information power, are developing according to the strategies of their institutions and are engaged in regulatory activities. They are usually excellent organizers.
National elite
As part of all nations, there is a group of intelligentsia that has an active influence on all aspects of the life of a given society - the national elite. This is a group that is created as a result of the selection and nomination of the most gifted and trained representatives from the whole people so that they can manage all social processes. However, as in most cases, members of the national elite seek enrichment at the expense of their compatriots. This leads to discontent and the destruction of the integrity of the nation.
Cultural elite
This term has a dual definition. In a narrow sense, the cultural elite is a cultural and educated minority. And broadly, this is a group of people who have a high level of cultural competence and are engaged in the development of various knowledge, including scientific, as well as the creation of spiritual values - works of art, etc. Sadly, in Russian society in the structure of all elites cultural is in last place, giving way to political, economic, military, national and others. However, ideally, it is a spiritual (cultural) group that should occupy a dominant position. Indeed, in essence, the cultural elite in its content more than others corresponds to the etymology of the term itself - "the best."
Other meanings of the word "elite"
In addition to the main meaning of the word "elite", this term also refers to non-social subjects and objects that have exceptional (exclusive) qualities. For example, in society they say "elite troops." In this case, the elite are the best military units entrusted with protecting the country from potential enemies. Or this term refers to the best, most expensive real estate, etc.
