Elitism

Yesterday's sociology class touched on Elite and social stratification, different social class and power.

Just now a classmate msn this website on the definition to me..
So I thot..well..why not I share this knowledge with u here as well...


Elitism
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Elitism is the belief or attitude that those individuals who are considered members of the elite — a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes — are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern [1]. Alternatively, the term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which power is concentrated in the hands of the elite.

Opposed to elitism are "anti-elitism," "populism," and the political theory of pluralism. Elite theory is the sociological or political science analysis of elite influence in society - elite theorists regard pluralism as a utopian ideal.

Elitism may also refer to situations in which an elite individual assumes special privileges and responsibilities in the hope that this arrangement will benefit humanity.

At times, elitism is closely related to social class and what sociologists call social stratification. Members of the upper classes are sometimes, though inaccurately, known as the "social elite."

The term elitism is also sometimes misused to denote situations in which a group of people claiming to possess high abilities or simply an in-group or cadre grant themselves extra privileges at the expense of others. This debased form of elitism may be described as discrimination.

Contents [hide]
1 Characteristics of the "elite"
2 Anti-elitism
2.1 Elitism as a pejorative term
2.2 Elitism versus egalitarianism
2.3 Elitism versus pluralism
3 Elitism and education
4 See also
5 References



[edit] Characteristics of the "elite"
Attributes that identify an elite vary; personal achievement may not be essential. Elite usually denotes a person or group who is the best in a class. Elite attributes include:

Rigorous study of, or great accomplishment within, a particular field of study
A long track record of competence in a demanding field
An extensive history of dedication and effort in service to a specific discipline (e.g., medicine or martial arts)
A high degree of accomplishment, training or wisdom within a given field
An elite fighter, for example, is one whose training, resolve, and experience in combat place him at the top of his field. Most nations employ some kind of special forces made up of elite soldiers whose training goes far beyond what is typical for the average soldier.

The academic elite, on the other hand, comprises only those professors whose studies are likely to shape their respective disciplines for years to come.

Some synonyms for elite might be "World class," "Upper-class," and "Aristocratic," indicating that the individual in question is capable of participating effectively at the very highest levels of his or her chosen discipline.

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elitism