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الصفوة والمجتمع: دراسة في علم الاجتماع السياسي
In this fully revised classic text, Tom Bottomore poses fundamental questions about the theory and ideology of elites. While a number of theorists have studied the "power elite," the Marxist notion of a ruling class, many more have followed the theories of Pareto and Mosca, who use the term "elite" to critique Marxism, the very philosophy from which this concept first originated. Their theories thus exemplify the complexities and slipperiness particular to this sociological term.
In his usual clear and accessible style, Bottomore looks at the principal theories of elites from Mosca and Pareto to those of present day theorists, and examines the characteristics of particular elites in relation to the upper classes and class structures in other industrially advanced societies and developing countries. He concludes by examining the prospects for more egalitarian forms of society as humanity approaches the new millennium in which democracy is increasingly the ideology of choice.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
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About the author
T.B. Bottomore
61 books23 followersThomas Burton Bottomore, usually known as Tom Bottomore and also published as T.B. Bottomore.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 22, 2022
I first read this about 40 years ago. It was interesting to re-read it. I picked it up again because of the current talk about (obsession with) elites, and the thought that people on different sides of the debate are talking about different kinds of elite; or perhaps, about groups that are elites, but nonetheless are of different political persuasions within that general term.
The book provides an introduction to the theory of elites up until the early 1960s, mainly based on the work of Pareto, Mosca and Mills. Bottomore notes that Pareto and Mosca were offering up theories of the elites, and the circulation of elites, in opposition to Marxist currents in social and political thought - theories of the naturalness of elites in contradistinction to the disappearance of elites after the triumph of the proletariat. Bottomore makes a case for the theory of elites of Mosca and Pareto as political theories - that is, not merely as prescriptive, as descriptive. Bottomore also contrasts what might be called natural elites - elites by class, property, old money - with other elites - the intellectuals, the bureaucratic elites, new-moneyed elites, and so on. These chapters are interesting, because these are still the elites we think of, the elites that I hear discussed and criticised, the people in which power is concentrated to the detriment of others.
The last chapter is also especially interesting as a historical text in itself, as Bottomore is a sociologist of his time -- a typical mid-20th century British Marxist academic ("a prolific editor and translator of Marxist works", as Wikipedia notes). The final chapter thus attempts to show how a Marxian triumph of the proletariat would abnegate the elite, would, in fact, lead to the disappearance of the elite. Bottomore cites more than once the forward-looking, progressive, Yugoslavian industry. While, indeed, Yugoslavian industry through the mid-20th century was in part influenced by workers' councils, this perhaps progressive attempt at egalitarianism should be set against the fact that an elite - a communist dictatorship, a political fascist elite - ruled the country after 1945, which goes unmentioned in the text.
Nonetheless, I think the book continues to be a useful introduction to the concepts of elites, and the difficulties of definition, especially if you can find an old Pelican edition in a second-hand bookshop ...
The book provides an introduction to the theory of elites up until the early 1960s, mainly based on the work of Pareto, Mosca and Mills. Bottomore notes that Pareto and Mosca were offering up theories of the elites, and the circulation of elites, in opposition to Marxist currents in social and political thought - theories of the naturalness of elites in contradistinction to the disappearance of elites after the triumph of the proletariat. Bottomore makes a case for the theory of elites of Mosca and Pareto as political theories - that is, not merely as prescriptive, as descriptive. Bottomore also contrasts what might be called natural elites - elites by class, property, old money - with other elites - the intellectuals, the bureaucratic elites, new-moneyed elites, and so on. These chapters are interesting, because these are still the elites we think of, the elites that I hear discussed and criticised, the people in which power is concentrated to the detriment of others.
The last chapter is also especially interesting as a historical text in itself, as Bottomore is a sociologist of his time -- a typical mid-20th century British Marxist academic ("a prolific editor and translator of Marxist works", as Wikipedia notes). The final chapter thus attempts to show how a Marxian triumph of the proletariat would abnegate the elite, would, in fact, lead to the disappearance of the elite. Bottomore cites more than once the forward-looking, progressive, Yugoslavian industry. While, indeed, Yugoslavian industry through the mid-20th century was in part influenced by workers' councils, this perhaps progressive attempt at egalitarianism should be set against the fact that an elite - a communist dictatorship, a political fascist elite - ruled the country after 1945, which goes unmentioned in the text.
Nonetheless, I think the book continues to be a useful introduction to the concepts of elites, and the difficulties of definition, especially if you can find an old Pelican edition in a second-hand bookshop ...
January 12, 2022
The author step-by-step refutes theories that attempt to explain the circulation of elites independently of the class composition of society. Critique of classical theories of the circulation of elites from the positions of egalitarian democracy.
It is impossible to give a comprehensive overview of this topic in a small book so considering the size of the book I give the book a fairly high rating.
It is impossible to give a comprehensive overview of this topic in a small book so considering the size of the book I give the book a fairly high rating.
September 23, 2020
Bottomore's work provides an introductory and broad level of analysis into elite theories, which makes it a useful source, especially given its lenght. However, the book suffers - in my opinion - for dedicating more to the defense of Marxist and democratic thought rather than to the exploration and analysis of elite thought.
May 8, 2011
Dated, yet interesting, account of social theory. The fact that it was written in the sixties rather stunts it's scope, but a worthy read none the less.
July 28, 2018
Social philosophy. I have a soft spot for this strand of writing, but this book is a bit dated. It was an interesting read, and historically its always interesting to look back at the theories that were popular decades ago. Engaging, and a meaningful contribution to social philosophy, but really only for people interested in the larger genealogy of this current of philosophy.
May 17, 2019
Who you can trust?
May 1, 2021
রিলিভেন্সি নাই।
January 18, 2025
Osećala sam se pametno posle ove knjige
June 17, 2014
This is a great place to start if you need to understand some of the basic principles of the term "elite" and its origins.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews