Currently a hotly debated topic dominates the domestic section of the media in Germany: the growing perception of social inequality. Part of this discussion is the debate about rising manager salaries, which have more than doubled in Germany since 1998.
Against this background this paper analyses the composition of today's economic elite and the accessibility and openness of this echelon of society.
The paper starts with giving an overview of different elite theories.
Section two will answer the question, who are the members of German economic elite, referring to the widely noticed work of Michael Hartmann and the Potsdamer Elitenstudie conducted 1995 by Wilhelm Bürklin et alii. This section also compares the German economic elite with those of other European countries.
The work ends with a critical résumé.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. A Brief Overview of Elite Theories
1.1 The Classical Theories
1.2 The Functional Theories
1.3 The Critical Theories
2. Today's Economic Elite
2.1 German Economic Elite
2.1.1 Extrinsic Reasons for the Composition of German Elite
2.1.2 Intrinsic Reasons for the Composition of German Elite
2.2 European Economic Elite
3. Résumé
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the composition, accessibility, and social openness of today's economic elite in Germany compared to other European nations. It explores the extent to which elite positions are determined by individual capability versus social origin, evaluating whether current power structures contradict democratic ideals.
- Theoretical foundations of elite formation (Classical, Functional, and Critical perspectives)
- Empirical analysis of the German economic elite and their social recruitment
- The impact of extrinsic factors like family networks and informational asymmetry
- The role of the "habitus" as a primary intrinsic driver of social selection
- Comparative analysis of European elite structures and national traditions
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1 Extrinsic Reasons for the Composition of German Elite
There are extrinsic and intrinsic reasons for becoming a member of the elite. Initially the extrinsic reasons shall be clarified below.
The first extrinsic reason Hartmann specifies, is the motivation of members of higher class families to fulfil the unspoken expectations set in them; a high school diploma, university degree and a career, no matter in which field, are expected. The second reason mentioned is informational asymmetry. Especially descendants of upper class have better access to necessary or at least advantageously information through family networks. As the upper class consists of just around 4000 families in Germany, the connections between these families are relatively close.
Thirdly and finally Hartmann refers to the financial support provided by the family. This security enables bourgeois and upper class family's children to take risks more easily than their competitors from other strata. For instance they are able to make first experiences as entrepreneurs. Even a failure therein shapes their entrepreneurial image, but does not ruin their and their families' financial situation. In that way even a failure might be an advance, as will be shown later in this chapter (Hartmann 2002: 129f).
The social selectivity of the doctorate is not included in the reasons listed above, for a weakening of it is observable over the years (Bürklin 1997: 76, Hartmann 2002: 116, see also appendix Table 2); the further development has to be monitored.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the current societal debate regarding social inequality, manager salaries, and the German "Exzellenzinitiative" as the backdrop for investigating today's economic elite.
1. A Brief Overview of Elite Theories: Defines the core paradigms of elite sociology, contrasting the views of classical thinkers like Mosca and Michels with functional and critical approaches.
2. Today's Economic Elite: Provides an empirical analysis of German executives, highlighting the disproportionate representation of upper-class backgrounds and comparing these findings with European peers.
3. Résumé: Critically concludes that contemporary elites are not solely merit-based, calling for increased transparency and a re-evaluation of social selection mechanisms in education.
Keywords
Economic Elite, Social Inequality, Habitus, Elite Theory, Social Origin, Meritocracy, Informational Asymmetry, Bourgeoisie, Power Elite, Social Mobility, German Economy, Executive Recruitment, Political Economy, Social Selectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the composition and social accessibility of the modern economic elite in Germany, specifically questioning whether entry into these echelons is based on individual merit or inherited social origin.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The main themes include elite theories, the role of social background in executive recruitment, the influence of family networks, and the impact of the "habitus" on maintaining power structures.
What is the core research question addressed by the author?
The paper seeks to identify who constitutes the economic elite of today and to what extent this segment of society remains open to individuals from outside the traditional upper and bourgeois classes.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a literature-based sociological analysis, primarily drawing upon empirical studies by Michael Hartmann and Wilhelm Bürklin, alongside theoretical frameworks from Bourdieu, Mosca, and Mills.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers an overview of elite theories, detailed statistical findings regarding the German economic elite, an analysis of extrinsic and intrinsic reasons for elite composition, and a comparative study of European economic elites.
Which keywords best characterize this academic work?
Key terms include economic elite, social inequality, habitus, social origin, meritocracy, and social mobility.
How does the "habitus" influence the selection of elites?
The habitus acts as an unconscious social mechanism, where individuals from the upper classes possess ingrained traits—such as self-confidence and etiquette—that make them seem more natural and trustworthy to existing boardrooms, thereby reinforcing social selection.
How does the German economic elite compare to other European countries?
While Germany, France, and Great Britain show high levels of social homogeneity in their economic elites, Scandinavia exhibits significantly higher social openness due to its social democratic traditions and absence of exclusive elite universities.
- Quote paper
- David Hörnle (Author), 2008, Today's economic elite, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/91466
