Elites

Definition

Elites refer to a small group of people who hold a disproportionate amount of power, wealth, or influence in society, often shaping political, social, and economic structures. In the context of state formation, elites are crucial as they often emerge as leaders or decision-makers, guiding the direction and organization of emerging political entities. Their roles can include controlling resources, influencing governance, and maintaining social hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elites are often involved in the creation and maintenance of social norms and values that uphold their status within a society.
2. In many early states, elites were typically landowners or leaders of military factions who controlled key resources and wielded significant influence over the populace.
3. Elites can be responsible for creating laws and policies that serve their interests, which can lead to inequalities in power and resource distribution.
4. The emergence of complex societies often saw the rise of distinct elite classes, such as priesthoods or warrior classes, each with their own roles in governance.
5. In the process of state formation, elite groups may use strategies such as coercion, manipulation, or alliance-building to solidify their power and maintain control over emerging political systems.

Review Questions

• How do elites shape the structure and governance of early states during the process of state formation?
  • Elites play a significant role in shaping the structure and governance of early states by establishing authority and control over resources. They often act as decision-makers who influence policies that serve their interests. This concentration of power allows them to shape social hierarchies and establish governance structures that favor their position within society.
• Discuss the relationship between elites and social stratification in the context of state formation. How do elites contribute to societal inequalities?
  • The relationship between elites and social stratification is evident in how elites maintain their privileged status while contributing to societal inequalities. As they control resources and political power, they create systems that benefit themselves and reinforce social hierarchies. This results in a structured society where access to resources and opportunities is unevenly distributed, often leaving lower classes marginalized.
• Evaluate the impact of elite control on the development of bureaucracies in early states. What are the implications for social order and governance?
  • Elite control has a profound impact on the development of bureaucracies in early states, as elites establish administrative systems that facilitate their governance. This bureaucratic structure allows elites to manage resources efficiently while enforcing their authority. The implications for social order include increased stability through organized governance but also the potential for oppression and resistance from lower classes who may feel disenfranchised by elite interests.

Related terms

Social Stratification:

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on wealth, power, or social status.

Political Centralization: The process by which political power is concentrated in a central authority, often leading to the establishment of formal state structures.

Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives, often associated with elite control.