Elite

There is ambiguity in society regarding the interpretation of the term "elite". Two main approaches can be distinguished:

• The political approach assesses membership in the elite by the fact of possession of real power or influence on political processes, regardless of the assessments of the intellectual and / or moral qualities of certain individuals. This approach goes back to the fundamental works of Mosca. .
• A value or meritocratic approach is based on the original meaning of the term “elite” (that is, “best”). It is understood that individuals included in the elite possess higher intelligence, talent, abilities, and competence in comparison with the average indicators of a particular society. Pareto adhered to this position .

Currently, the political approach to the interpretation of the term “elite” is predominant, since reliable and verifiable criteria for membership in the elite have not been developed by the proponents of a value approach. The term "elite" to refer to groups that have real power , regardless of the nature of the latter or ethical assessments of the behavior of power circles, is used by modern economists and political scientists ^[4] . Groups with real power or influence over political decision-making also often call themselves “elite” .

In contrast to the ruling class, the ruling elite is determined by the organizational structures through which it reaches its power. ^[5] The leaders of the ruling class are united in it with the highest employees. ^[6] The main difference is determined by the fact that the social class is a union of interests (the dominance of the material foundations in them is emphasized by Marxists - “being determines consciousness”), while the existence of elites is determined by the needs of management , that is, it is essentially informational in nature.

A distinction should be made between formal and informal elites . The power and influence of the formal elite is based on its position in the corresponding hierarchical structures, for example, state ones. Representatives of the informal elite may not be part of the official hierarchy, but, nevertheless, have a significant impact on the worldview and behavior of a significant part of society. For example, L.N. Tolstoy undoubtedly had a tremendous influence on contemporary Russian society, but did not hold any official posts.

It is also necessary to distinguish between acting elites and the so-called counter - elites , that is, potential elites who aim to carry out a shift, rotate existing elites and offer themselves in this capacity. In order to confirm their own claims, the counter-elites offer society either new management schemes or new models (stereotypes) of behavior. As well as anti-elites, that is, those aiming to overthrow the existing elites, but not able to act as a worthy replacement for those.

In addition, elites differ in their field of activity (political elite, scientific elite, financial elite, military elite ...). By the nature of the formation, one can distinguish between nomenclature and situational elite. The composition of the nomenclature elite is formed according to a principle similar to the principle of forming dynasties , or by way of successors demonstrating loyalty to the ideals and principles of the existing elite. This principle is contrary to the law of the need for diversity (Ashby's law) . The competition of ideas and solutions in such conditions is minimized and consists mainly in competition between the authorities of their authors. At the same time, there is a danger that the failure of the elite cannot be revealed otherwise than by the loss of its viability by society. The most productive is the situational elite, which is formed at crucial moments for society when the previously existing elite loses its authority ^[7] . The situational elite is asserted against this background, proving its public benefit, justifying the relevance of the proposed ideas and solutions. Historically, the situational elite degenerates over time into a nomenclature one .

The important tasks of any society are to achieve the high quality of its elite, as well as to ensure the constant reproduction of a quality elite. The quality of the elite is evaluated by the ratio of the preferences available to the elite with the complexity and degree of fulfillment by the elite of their functions, for which, in fact, these preferences are provided to her. In practice, elites often show a tendency to degradation, that is, to an unjustified increase in their own preferences, while at the same time evading any duties, responsibility to society .

• Counter elite
• Political elite
• Party nomenclature
• National elites
• Why are some countries rich and others poor
• Elite culture
• Elitology

• Isaev B.A. Introduction to political theory. Chapter 5. Theory of political elites . Publishing house "Peter", 2013.
• Russia's elite in the past and present: socio-psychological historical aspects. Vol. 2 . - M .: Publishing House of the National. Institute of Business , 2012 .-- 266 p. - 260 copies. - ISBN 978-5-8309-0374-5 .
• Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson. Why are some countries rich and others poor. The origin of power, prosperity and poverty. = Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson. Why Nations Fail .. - M .: AST, 2016. - 693 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-092736-4 .

• Burenko V. I. The instrumental dimension of the political elite // Electronic Journal “ Knowledge. Understanding. Skill . " - 2010. - No. 6 - History .
• Gurevich P.S. Psychology of Elite Education // Knowledge. Understanding. Skill. - 2005. - No. 4 . - S. 128-138 .
• Krivoruchenko V.K. Elite youth organizations: on the issue of applicability of the term // Electronic Journal "Knowledge. Understanding. Skill". - 2010. - No. 6 - History .
• Ruchkin B. A. The Komsomol elite in the Soviet and post-Soviet periods of the country's development // Electronic Journal “Knowledge. Understanding. Skill". - 2010. - No. 6 - History .
• Elite culture according to G. A. Golitsyn
• The elite is selfish and puts efficiency above equality