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 occupy high positions in government. If we are talking about the spiritual life of society, then here the elite of society is the intelligentsia, a group of people that forms taste, moral standards, etc.
Altimetric and axiological approaches in the interpretation of the term "elite"
Scientists distinguish between two approaches in the interpretation of this concept, namely altimetry and axiological. According to the first, those individuals who have real influence and actual power, regardless of their level of intelligence and moral and ethical qualities, belong to the elite. The second, axiological approach, which is also called value or meritocratic, is based on the original meaning of the term "elite". This interpretation is based onindividual qualities of people in this group. They must be "the best", stand out in society for their personal qualities, be smarter, more intelligent, more talented than others. At the same time, these characteristics are evaluated in comparison with the average indicators of other members of society. Unfortunately, today the altimetry approach prevails - according to the principle "there is power - no mind is needed".
Functions performed by the elite in society
1. Social management.
2. Development of stereotypes and models of behavior in society.
3. Development of adaptive mechanisms.
Types of elites
Classification of elites can occur depending on some criteria.
1. Depending on the field of activity, the elite is:
- political;
- economic;
- military;
- science and technology;
- cultural or spiritual.
Recently, a new species has appeared in society - the business elite, which is somewhat akin to the economic one, but still deserves to be considered a separate group.
2. Elites are also classified according to their relationship to power. According to this criterion, the following two types are distinguished:
- the ruling elite is a group of people who are 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:
- highest (nationwide);
- 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;
- antielioy.
Some types of elites can unite, creating new ones. For example, from the merger of political and economic, an oligarchic one 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, has nothing to do with power. To make it clear, let's give an example of an informal form. There are leaders (these can be writers, journalists, artists, etc.) who, although they do not have any formal power, their opinion, their example have an incredibly strong influence on the behavior of the masses.
Elite social
The upper strata of society in the system of social hierarchy, which have power and influence on other groups, is called the term "social elite". This category in different periods of the development of society became the object of sociological research, for this purpose various theories were created. According to the most common of them, the social elite isa minority that has unchallenged power and unwavering decision-making power.
Other theories see the elite as people who perform the most important functions in society. Still others consider a group of people to be social, who have been able to achieve the highest performance 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 top of the social pyramid, which, in turn, is divided into different groups. So, for example, they distinguish political, national, cultural and other groups.
Political elite
The political elite is a special group of people who have concentrated the highest structures of power in their hands. In the modern world, in almost all states, the political elite has the greatest influence. Despite the fact that most states have a multi-party system, some countries still have 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 occupy leadership positions in power structures, are directly involved 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 informational power, develop the strategy of their institutions and are engaged in regulatory activities. They are likeare generally excellent organizers.
National elite
In all nations there is a group of intelligentsia, which has an active influence on all aspects of the life of this 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 in order for them to take over the management of all social processes. However, as in most cases, members of the national elite seek to enrich themselves at the expense of their compatriots. This leads to discontent and the destruction of the integrity of the nation.
Cultural Elite
This term has two definitions. In a narrow sense, the cultural elite is a cultural and educated minority. And in broad terms, 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 knowledge, as well as the creation of spiritual values - works of art, etc. Unfortunately, in Russian society, in the structure of all elites cultural is in last place, yielding to political, economic, military, national and others. However, ideally, it is the spiritual (cultural) group that should occupy the dominant position. After all, in fact, the content of the cultural elite corresponds more than others to the etymology of the term itself - "the best".
Other meanings of "elite"
In addition to the main meaning of the word "elite", this term also denotes non-socialsubjects 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 is used to refer to the best, most expensive real estate, etc.
Conclusion
Based on the above, we can conclude that the elite is a completely special group, different from others. This is most likely a quality, a special way of life, morality and will.
