Since C. Wright Mills’ “The Power Elite” (1956/2000), questions about the composition and cohesion of the top level of the stratification hierarchy, and also about the mechanisms behind recruitment to this level, have been central. This paper will examine different questions regarding elite recruitment. Firstly, what are the patterns of elite recruitment; does this level consist of separate elites or a common class? Do the different elite groupings vary with respect to degree of openness, i.e. what is the degree of elite mobility? In other words, to what extent does the probability of attaining elite positions depend on social origins, and more specifically, on elite origins?
How important are economical, cultural and social resources for elite recruitment? Is there a development towards more openness or are there trends pointing in the opposite direction?
This issue is important out of several reasons. Since it was observed, that even communist societies develop an extensive elite in form of party officials, it is widely believed, that the existence of some sort of ruling class is unavoidable in a modern mass society. Modern day policy doesn’t lay the focus on the equality of outcome, but on the equality of opportunity instead. In a society with egalitarian values, the existence of an elite must be legitimized over merit and the effectiveness the society aspects from a chosen class. The perception, that elite positions are allocated in an open and fair contest is of normative meaning in a democracy.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Research
2.1 The Different Sectors of the Elite
2.2 The Money Elite
2.3 The Business Elite
3. The Glass Ceiling
Objectives & Core Themes
The objective of this paper is to examine the mechanisms of elite recruitment and the degree of openness within top-level social strata, questioning the extent to which power is inherited in modern western societies.
- Patterns and composition of elite recruitment.
- The influence of economic, cultural, and social resources on elite mobility.
- Sector-specific elite structures (Money Elite vs. Business Elite).
- Structural barriers to entry, often referred to as the "Glass Ceiling."
- The persistence of social closure despite meritocratic ideologies.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 The Money Elite
Among all elitist groups, the very rich have the lowest level of education and the lowest rates of mobility at the same time. This is simply because their wealth is to a large extend "inherited", in the traditional meaning of the word, and kept together by an high rate of endogamy (Dogan 2003: 32; Krysmanski 2007: 1008). According to West (2014: 148f.) 65 percent of the 492 Billionaires in the U.S. today have their origins in the upper class. Out of these 65 percent a third of where born in a billionaire family, another third inherited at least a part of their wealth, while the remaining third originated in the upper-class without being inheritors. This corresponds to the results of Keister (2005), who found, by examining the Forbes 400 Richest Americans of 2002, that 63 percent of the people listed had inherited a noteworthy proportion of their wealth (in contrast to 68 percent in 1982).
This composition, with only about 35 percent of the super rich having a lower-class or middle-class background, shows some persistence over time. According to Mills (1956/2000: 105), in the year 1950, of the 275 Americans with a fortune of at least 30 million Dollars, 68 percent grew up in the upper class. 93 percent of this 68 percent where inheritors (ibid.: 107). Besides the 62 percent of very rich with relatives among the very rich of previous generations, farmers, white collar- and blue collar workers combined, smaller entrepreneurs and professionals, each make up for about 10 percent of the father's occupational statuses (ibid.: 105).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the research context, highlighting the tension between the meritocratic self-perception of western societies and the persistence of intergenerational inheritance of power.
2. Research: This section provides a conceptual framework for elite studies, defining "elite" through power rather than just wealth, and explores how elite recruitment varies across different sectors.
2.1 The Different Sectors of the Elite: This chapter analyzes the ring model of elite categorization and explores how social descent remains a significant factor for success in various sectors despite increasing educational requirements.
2.2 The Money Elite: This chapter focuses on the wealthiest segment of the elite, demonstrating that this group exhibits the lowest rates of mobility and the highest dependence on inherited wealth and endogamy.
2.3 The Business Elite: This chapter examines the recruitment of top executives, finding that social origin in the upper or upper-middle class remains a strong predictor for corporate leadership success in France, Britain, and Germany.
3. The Glass Ceiling: This chapter addresses the structural barriers and informal networks that continue to exclude women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from non-upper-class backgrounds from elite positions.
Keywords
Elite Recruitment, Social Mobility, Meritocracy, Power Elite, Social Stratification, Glass Ceiling, Elite Education, Economic Elite, Social Capital, Cultural Capital, Reproduction, Social Closure, Endogamy, Modernization Theory, Political Elite
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this work?
The work focuses on the sociology of elites, specifically examining how members are recruited into top-level positions and to what degree these positions remain closed to those outside established upper-class circles.
What are the central themes discussed?
The paper covers the composition of elites, the role of education versus social background, the influence of informal networks (social capital), and the persistence of intergenerational wealth.
What is the primary research question?
The research investigates to what extent power is inherited in western societies and whether elite recruitment patterns are shifting towards more openness or remain restricted by social origin.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a comparative sociological approach, drawing upon classical elite theories (such as C. Wright Mills and Vilfredo Pareto) and contemporary empirical studies across the US, UK, Germany, and France.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body delineates the definition of elites, explores specific sectors such as the "Money Elite" and "Business Elite," and analyzes systemic barriers labeled as the "Glass Ceiling."
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Keywords include Social Mobility, Elite Recruitment, Social Stratification, Power Elite, Glass Ceiling, and Social Capital.
How does the "Money Elite" differ from other elite sectors in terms of mobility?
The "Money Elite" exhibits the lowest level of education among elite groups and the lowest rates of mobility, primarily because their status is heavily reliant on inherited wealth and high rates of endogamy.
What role do elite universities play in elite formation?
Beyond providing qualifications, elite universities serve as creators of essential social capital, fostering networks and informal contacts that facilitate entry into exclusive corporate and political roles.
How has the U.S. elite changed regarding religious and ethnic requirements?
Historically dominated by Anglo-Saxon Protestants, the U.S. elite has transitioned towards a more inclusive "Judeo-Christian" structure, though significant underrepresentation for many minorities and women persists.
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- Sebastian Steidle (Autor:in), 2015, Social mobility in the elite. To what extent does the probability of attaining elite positions depend on elite origins?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/334705
