The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites: A Comprehensive Guide to the Study of Political Elites

The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites is a comprehensive guide to the study of political elites. It provides a thorough overview of the field, including the major theories, methods, and findings. The handbook is divided into five parts, each of which covers a different aspect of the study of political elites.

The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites

by Gladis María Demarchi

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1085 pages
Paperback	:	162 pages
Item Weight	:	10.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Part I: Overview of the Field

Part I provides an overview of the field of elite studies, including the history of elite studies, the major theoretical approaches, and the methods used to study elites. The history of elite studies is traced back to the work of Gaetano Mosca and Vilfredo Pareto in the late 19th century. Mosca and Pareto argued that all societies are ruled by a small minority of elites. This elite minority is able to maintain its power through a variety of mechanisms, including violence, coercion, and ideology. In the 20th century, elite studies was further developed by scholars such as C. Wright Mills, who argued that the power elite in the United States was composed of a small group of individuals who controlled the major institutions of society, including the economy, the military, and the media.

The major theoretical approaches to the study of political elites can be divided into two broad categories: structuralist and culturalist. Structuralist approaches focus on the social and economic factors that shape the composition and behavior of elites. Culturalist approaches focus on the values, beliefs, and norms that shape the behavior of elites. The methods used to study elites include a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative techniques include interviews, participant observation, and archival research. Quantitative techniques include surveys, polls, and statistical analysis.

Part II: Social Origins of Elites

Part II examines the social origins of elites, including the role of education, occupation, and family background. Education is a major factor in the selection of elites. In most societies, elites are disproportionately likely to have a higher education. This is because education provides elites with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete for positions of power. Occupation is another important factor in the selection of elites. In most societies, elites are disproportionately likely to be employed in high-status occupations, such as business, law, and medicine. This is because high-status occupations provide elites with the resources and connections necessary to compete for positions of power.

Family background is also a factor in the selection of elites. In many societies, elites are disproportionately likely to come from wealthy and powerful families. This is because wealthy and powerful families can provide their children with the resources and connections necessary to compete for positions of power. However, it is important to note that social origins are not the only factor that determines who will become an elite. There are many examples of individuals who have overcome their disadvantaged backgrounds to become elites. Conversely, there are many examples of individuals who have come from privileged backgrounds but have failed to achieve elite status.

Part III: Political Careers of Elites

Part III looks at the political careers of elites, including the factors that influence their entry into politics, their paths to power, and their exit from politics. The decision to enter politics is often influenced by a variety of factors, including personal ambition, a desire to serve the public, and a belief that one can make a difference in the world. The path to power can be long and difficult, and there are many obstacles that can stand in the way of an elite's ambitions. However, once an elite has achieved power, they may be able to wield it for many years. The exit from politics can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary exits occur when elites choose to leave politics of their own volition. Involuntary exits occur when elites are forced to leave politics due to factors such as defeat in an election, impeachment, or scandal.

Part IV: Role of Elites in Policymaking

Part IV examines the role of elites in policymaking, including their influence on the agenda, the formulation of policy, and the implementation of policy. Elites play a major role in shaping the political agenda. They do this by controlling the flow of information, framing the issues, and mobilizing public opinion. Elites also play a major role in the formulation of policy. They do this by providing advice to policymakers, drafting legislation, and negotiating with other elites. Elites also play a major role in the implementation of policy. They do this by managing bureaucracies, enforcing laws, and distributing resources.

Part V: Impact of Elites on Society

Part V examines the impact of elites on society, including their role in shaping public opinion, the distribution of resources, and the legitimacy of the political system. Elites play a major role in shaping public opinion. They do this by controlling the media, funding think tanks, and organizing public events. Elites also play a major role in the distribution of resources. They do this by controlling the economy, setting tax rates, and allocating government spending. Elites also play a major role in the legitimacy of the political system. They do this by providing symbolic leadership, upholding the rule of law, and delivering public goods and services.

The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites is a comprehensive guide to the study of political elites. It provides a thorough overview of the field, including the major theories, methods, and findings. The handbook is divided into five parts, each of which covers a different aspect of the study of political elites. The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites is an essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers interested in the study of political elites.

The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites

by Gladis María Demarchi

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1085 pages
Paperback	:	162 pages
Item Weight	:	10.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE