The individuals within a social circle who possess, to a particular degree, the power to direct that circle’s goals, organisation, norms and conduct.
- Explanation. Elite is used here as an analytical and not necessarily normative concept. An elite need not constitute a formal governing body and need not act as a single, united actor. Elites are themselves civilised and operate within existing institutions, dependencies and expectations of legitimacy.
Occurs in Propositions
- Proposition 036 – Every social circle has an elite
- Proposition 037 – Bases of elite position
- Proposition 038 – Changing composition of elites
- Proposition 039 – Elite recognition and direction
- Proposition 040 – Limits on elite action
- Proposition 055 – Purposive elite-driven change
- Proposition 084 – From movement to purposive politics
- Proposition 089 – Movement elites and institutionalisation
- Proposition 094 – Legitimation of state coercion
- Proposition 097 – Governing elite and general interest
Last updated: 3 October 2026