SELECTED THEORETICAL CONCEPTS OF THE SOCIAL ELITE

Abstract

This paper deals with issues related to theoretical concepts of the elite. The concept of the elite emphasizes the hierarchical nature of the diversity of society and the importance of dividing societies into two groups: the ruling elite and the ruled masses. By elite, one generally means a social stratum, a social group, or a category of people that are perceived to be superior in some respect to the rest of the social whole. The issue of the elite is extremely interesting for many researchers, as it is related to the question of who has real influence in the political and social life of the country. The present paper systematizes the concepts of the elite and presents an essential definition. For this purpose, a comparative method was applied. A full understanding of the mechanisms of distinguishing elites in society will allow people who really influence the lives of citizens to be identified.

Keywords

• social elite
• the ruling class
• elite theor