[English] Elite Theory and Its World

Elite Theory

“Elite Theory” is defined as a perspective that suggests that the factors that determine the governance and decision-making processes of society are controlled by a select minority of “elites”. This theory is explained by depicting society as a pyramid. At the top of the pyramid, elites and power holders are those who control political, economic or social resources and use these resources to influence the governance of society. At the bottom are the economically and socially weaker masses.

It is argued that elites and power holders dominate society using a variety of tools and resources. These include material resources, rents, leased assets.  Using these resources, elites are thought to influence policies and shape society in their own interests.

The technocratic perspective advocates elite rule for the management of basic issues such as food and diseases.

Power Elite

Wright Mills sees the “Power Elite” as a result of historical trends. Classical elite theorists see societies, especially countries, as a fundamental part of their analysis.

Hunter was the first person to try to apply the elite theory within the scope of “Urban Studies”. This method was called “Reputational Analysis”. Hunter divided society into four groups: “business, government, civic associations, community activities”. Hunter mentioned that the economy has a decisive and dominant influence even within these groups. Hunter’s approach sparked a new debate between elites and pluralists that would last for 20 years.

Community Power Debate

In the 1970s, neo-Marxists and neo-Weberians took part in the “Community Power Debate”. The growth machines thesis refines elite theory but it focuses on urban development more.

Logan and Molotch emphasize the power of business community and argue that the activism of entrepreneurs is, and always has been, a critical force in shaping the urban system.

Moreover, they claims that the local growth is kind of transfer of wealth from general public to rentier groups. Also they assert that the scope and perception of elite theory and growth machine thesis and their effects took place within different aspects that depend on local identity in US and UK.

The conclusion that the article has led me to is the following:

Urban development, the formation of classes in urban development, the role and effects of rented assets in the formation of urban sociology, and the phases and stages of development from the city to the country should be critically considered by all citizens, especially by groups described as “policy-makers”.

Source: Judge, D., Stoker, G., & Wolman, H. (Eds.). (1995). Theories of Urban Politics. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi: Sage Publications. Chapter 2 – Elite Theory-Growth Machine

Attorney Semih TEMİZER