Kinds and types of political elite. Role in society. Types of political elites: concept, methods of formation

Elite structure. Studies by sociologists and political scientists have shown that elites can differ in terms of their structure. On a functional basis, within the elite, several intra-elite groups are distinguished: political, economic, cultural and informational elite. The composition of each of them is determined by its functions. So, political elite make up groups and political leaders who implement power decisions. Based on the scope of power, the following types of political elite are distinguished: higher, secondary and administrative. The highest political elite includes leaders who occupy strategic positions in the system of making the most important decisions. This type of elite includes the president and his entourage, government leaders, members of the highest judicial authorities, leaders of the most influential parties, the speaker of parliament and the heads of the largest parliamentary factions. The middle elite includes those who hold positions in elected bodies of power: deputies, representatives of regional elites (governors, mayors), leaders political parties and movements. The administrative elite includes members of the government, as well as the highest stratum of civil servants. economic elite are the richest members of society - large owners, bankers, heads of financial and industrial groups, heads of leading corporations, owners of large capitals. The interests of the economic elite directly or indirectly influence the nature of the decisions made by the political elite. cultural and information elite are outstanding figures of science, culture, prominent journalists who influence the formation of public opinion, the highest hierarchs of the church. The main function of this elite group is the formation of a favorable public opinion for the elite, the ideological substantiation of the fact of the domination of this elite, as well as the decisions it makes.

According to the intensity of circulation and recruitment methods stand out open and closed elites. The open elite is characterized by a fairly dynamic circulation, it is characterized by openness, expressed in formal equal opportunities access of members of non-elite groups to it. There are relatively few formal restrictions on access to the elite. Selection to the elite is carried out on the basis of intense competition, in which personal qualities are of great importance: energy, the ability to find and organize support for oneself, the ability to mobilize available resources. The open elite is replenished with new leaders who are the bearers of new ideas and values. Therefore, it demonstrates the ability for social innovation and reform. Its positive features are sensitivity to social moods and needs, flexibility and wide opportunities for rapid adaptation to changing social conditions and reactions to social changes. However, it has drawbacks: a tendency to populist and ill-conceived decisions, a medium or low degree of continuity in policymaking. In contrast to the open elite, the closed one is characterized by slow circulation, which is expressed in unequal opportunities for representatives of non-elite groups to access it. First of all, the selection to the elite is influenced by formal indicators: age, work experience, party membership, belonging to a certain corporation. The most important condition affecting the selection to the elite is personal devotion to the leadership and readiness to unquestioningly carry out orders. Ultimately, the elite strives for self-reproduction, which; in turn, dooms it to degeneration and degradation. Its positive features are: a high degree of continuity in policy development, balanced decisions, and a low probability of internal conflicts. The disadvantages of this type of elite include inertia, a weak ability to respond to ongoing social changes, and a tendency to caste.

J. Higley and J. Pakulski distinguish four types of elites according to two criteria:

Elite differentiation, which manifests itself in the functional division of elite segments, each of which has its own boundaries, organizations, formal and informal rules of conduct and power hierarchy;

The unity of the elites, which is manifested in the degree of its integration.

Consensus Elite is characterized by the agreement of intra-elite groups regarding the basic values, rules of political competition and procedures for the exercise of power, as well as the goals and methods of the policy pursued. For ideological elite characterized by unification on the basis of a single (and only) ideology, intolerance of any dissent. Fragmented Elite It is distinguished by a low degree of intra-elite integration and a segmental nature of intra-elite relations. To a disunited elite inherent in a sharp struggle between intra-elite groups for the mastery of strategic positions, for areas of control and distribution of resources. J. Higley and J. Pakulski identify four models of elite circulation.

classical circulation - this is the type of circulation that Mosca and Pareto associated with stable and efficient elite rule. The level of circulation is extensive and socially deep (covers many layers of the elite. - A. X.). This type is characterized by the evolutionary nature of the renewal of the elite. It leads to the emergence and existence of a consensus elite. The basis of the gradual and peaceful nature of the renewal of the elite is negotiations and cooperation between ascending and descending groups. Classical circulation, in short, is a process of gradual change within an elite.

replacement circulation , like the classical circulation, is characterized by breadth and depth, but is more dynamic and is carried out in a forced way. A typical case is the overthrow of the previous elite and the formation of a new one as a result of the revolution. In this case, the circulation is determined by the struggle between the elite of the old regime and the counter-elite, which seizes power and removes from it all who previously dominated. This mode of circulation gives rise to an ideological elite and a totalitarian regime.

reproductive circulation - limited and superficial and gradual and evolutionary. An elite group abandons old doctrinal positions or significantly changes them in order to stay in power. Thanks to these maneuvers, most members of the elite manage to maintain power and status. Although there are no big changes, the social profile of the elite is changing. Some fragmentation of the elite is possible. This type of elite circulation is typical for some former Soviet republics - now members of the CIS - Belarus, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, etc. Reproductive circulation is most often formed when the ideological elite is disintegrated and its members form a "party of power", occupying key positions in the economy and other spheres of public life separate from the state. Quasi-replacement circulation characterized by the least limited changes in the elite, but their sudden and forced character. There is a division of elites, which may result in palace coups, in which political cliques are reversed. Their actions, despite the variety of leadership styles, do not lead to fundamental changes in the nature of politics. So the division of the elite does not lead to major changes.

44. Essence and criteria of elites. Elite types. Elite types

There are many types of elites in society and the state. The main ones include:

The political elite is a group of people with the tools of power. It has a complex structure and is internally differentiated. The criterion for identifying the main types of political elite is the volume of power functions. Types of political elite: higher, middle, administrative.

1. Economic - a social stratum, including representatives of big capital, large owners. Exercises its economic dominance and economic power, determining the solution to such problems as employment, living standards, wage, the income of the population.

2. Military - plays an important role in the life of society, in political processes, is used as a decisive tool in politics.

3. Scientific and technical - includes the gifted part of the intellectual elite. Its role is determined by the degree of influence on the development of science and technology, the scientific and technical process.

4. Cultural and spiritual - includes the most authoritative and influential figures of art, education, literature, representatives of the creative intelligentsia. Its role is determined by the nature and degree of influence on the development of art, literature, education, the spiritual life of society, its moral potential.

5. Other types of elites include the shadow and counter-elite (opposition elite) - a part that is deprived of the opportunity to exercise power functions.

In political science there is such a thing as a ruling elite. It includes all types of elites that influence the government and its decision-making.

The criteria for belonging to the elite can be: organizational skills, material and intellectual superiority, special individual qualities, etc. Western political scientists also identify other criteria: prestigious education, professionalism in basic legal education, entrance or proximity to the authorities, etc.

The term "elite" comes from the Latin eligere or French elite - the best, choice, favorite. Starting from the 17th century. it began to be used in relation to the "chosen people", especially the highest nobility. It was introduced into scientific circulation at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century.

As a scientific school, the elitist direction was finally formed thanks to the works of V. Pareto, G. Mosca, R. Michels.

V. Pareto (1848-1923), an Italian sociologist, proceeded from the thesis that people are initially unequal. The set of individuals who operate with high performance in any area, Pareto calls the elite. "The main idea of ​​the term elite

- superiority ... In a broad sense, I understand by the elite such people who possess the properties of the mind, character, dexterity, and the most diverse abilities in the highest degree. The elite itself is divided into the ruling elite, which directly or indirectly exercises power, and the non-ruling (counter-elite), which does not have access to management and leadership. Pareto comes to the conclusion that the elite exists in any society and under any political system. Pareto divided the elites according to the methods of government into "lions" and "foxes". The former are based on material or religious

force, they are characterized by the predominant use of violence in the exercise of domination. The second - on cunning and the art of manipulation.

An exchange is constantly taking place between the elite and the masses: part of the elite moves to the lower strata, and the most capable representatives of the latter rise up the “social ladder” and become part of the elite. This process called the circulation of the elites. It contributes to the preservation of social and political stability in society. In the case of a slowdown in circulation, degrading elements accumulate in the upper stratum, while elements with higher qualities accumulate in the lower strata. Such a slowdown is most often observed during periods of the rule of the “lion” elite. Ultimately, the cessation of elite circulation leads to revolutions that restore the circulation process.

Another Italian sociologist, G. Mosca (1853-1941), based on the historical method, came to the conclusion that he formulated as follows: “In all societies - from the least developed and civilized to the most developed and powerful - two classes of people are found - the class that rules and the class that is ruled. The first, always less numerous, assumes all political functions, monopolizes power and enjoys the advantages that flow from it, while the second, more numerous, leads and governs the first, sometimes more or less legally, and sometimes more or less voluntaristically and forcibly. ". Distinctive qualities, opening access to the elite, Mosca considered military prowess, wealth, origin, personal qualities (mind, talent, education), ability to manage. The political class occupies a dominant position in society and exercises power functions thanks to organization (as opposed to the unorganized majority), the art of management and the ability to ideologically justify its dominant role. The exercise of power in society largely depends on the mode of reproduction of the ruling class. The Italian scientist singled out three such ways: inheritance, elections and co-optation.

A significant contribution to the theory of elites was made by the German political scientist R. Michels (1876-1936). Exploring social relations, he came to the conclusion about the impossibility of direct democracy, direct domination of the masses. Expressing interests, making and implementing decisions require special organizations(parties, trade unions, etc.).

The functioning of the organization proceeds according to its own laws. The development of any institution is associated with the formation of a hierarchy and a special managerial layer. Over time, this layer monopolizes power, breaks away from the masses, turning into an oligarchy that cares only about maintaining its position. Michels called this trend the "iron law of the oligarchy", thus emphasizing the inevitability of the formation of a managerial layer with its own specific interests in any organization, in any society.

Harold Lasswell defined the elite as the people who possessed the most eight goods: power, knowledge, wealth, health, skill, affection, respect, and morality. At the same time, he emphasizes that the ruling elite does not necessarily actively use their power, it is the basis from which leaders emerge. Based on this, Lasswell includes a wide range of people in the ruling elite:

persons who hold important positions in power structures and their relatives;

persons who once held these posts and remained loyal to the existing regime after their resignation;

persons who are not included in formal institutions authorities, but have influence on decision-making in these institutions;

members of the opposition with great political weight, with whom the authorities are forced to reckon. "Weak" opposition Lasswell excludes from the political elite.

IN Modern political science uses several approaches to the study of elites. In general, they can be reduced to two main ones: meritocratic (from Latin meritus - the best and Greek cratos - power) and domineering. The first approach originates in the elitist theory of V. Pareto. His credo was successfully formulated by K. Mannheim: the elite is "a hierarchy based on one's own achievements."

IN within the framework of the meritocratic approach, there are technocratic and organizational and managerial direction.

A. Bogdanov and T. Veblen are considered to be the founders of technocratic theories. According to Veblen, in connection with the development of science, engineering and technology, the role of organizing engineers is increasing. Using special knowledge, technocrats are gradually replacing traditional owners from leading social positions, turning into an independent social force. The foundations of organizational management theories were laid by J. Bernheim. The thesis put forward by him about the transfer of power from the hands of owners to the hands of professional managers became known under the name of R. Michels, the “revolution of managers”. In the 1970s the meritocratic approach has become widespread in connection with the works of D. Bell, A. Gouldner and others.

The authoritative approach to the definition and selection of the elite has received the greatest distribution in modern political science. Its representatives (G. Moska, R. Michels, R. Mills, R. Dahrendorf) define the elite as a group exercising power functions and influencing society. In turn, the authoritative approach is divided into structural and functional. Supporters of the structural approach refer to the elite of all persons occupying a formal position in the bodies (structures) of power (for example: the president, ministers, army leadership). Adherents of functionalist interpretations refer to the elite those groups and those individuals who have a real impact on public life and on the adoption of socially significant decisions.

Based on numerous theoretical approaches, the following generalized definition of the elite can be given: the ruling elite are social groups that occupy the highest positions in society, have the maximum degree of power and the ability to influence society.

Studies by sociologists and political scientists have shown that elites can differ

With in terms of their structure. On a functional basis, several intra-elite groups are distinguished within the elite: political, economic, cultural and informational elite. The composition of each of them is determined by its functions. Thus, the political elite is made up of groups and political leaders who carry out

power decisions. Based on the volume of power, the following types of political elite are distinguished: higher, middle and administrative. The highest political elite includes leaders who occupy strategic positions in the system of making the most important decisions. This type of elite includes the president and his entourage, government leaders, members of the highest judicial authorities, leaders of the most influential parties, the speaker of parliament and the heads of the largest parliamentary factions. The middle elite includes those who hold positions in elected bodies of power: deputies, representatives of regional elites (governors, mayors), leaders of political parties and movements. The administrative elite includes members of the government, as well as the highest stratum of civil servants. The economic elite is made up of the richest members of society - large owners, bankers, heads of financial and industrial groups, heads of leading corporations, owners of large capitals. The interests of the economic elite directly or indirectly influence the nature of the decisions made by the political elite. The cultural and information elite is made up of outstanding figures of science and culture, prominent journalists who influence the formation of public opinion, and the highest hierarchs of the church. The main function of this elite group is the formation of a favorable public opinion for the elite, the ideological substantiation of the fact of the domination of this elite, as well as the decisions it makes.

According to the intensity of circulation and methods of recruitment, open and closed elites are distinguished. The open elite is characterized by a fairly dynamic circulation, it is inherent in openness, expressed in formally equal opportunities for members of non-elite groups to access it. There are relatively few formal restrictions on access to the elite. Selection to the elite is carried out on the basis of intense competition, in which personal qualities are of great importance: energy, the ability to find and organize support for oneself, the ability to mobilize available resources. The open elite is replenished with new leaders who are the bearers of new ideas and values. Therefore, it demonstrates the ability for social innovation and reform. Its positive features are sensitivity to social moods and needs, flexibility and wide opportunities for rapid adaptation to changing social conditions and reactions to social changes. However, it has drawbacks: a tendency to populist and ill-conceived decisions, a medium or low degree of continuity in policymaking. In contrast to the open elite, the closed one is characterized by slow circulation, which is expressed in unequal opportunities for representatives of non-elite groups to access it. First of all, the selection to the elite is influenced by formal indicators: age, work experience, party membership, belonging to a certain corporation. The most important condition affecting the selection to the elite is personal devotion to the leadership and readiness to unquestioningly carry out orders.

Ultimately, the elite strives for self-reproduction, which; in turn, dooms it to degeneration and degradation. Its positive features are: a high degree of continuity in policy development, balanced decisions, and a low probability of internal conflicts. The disadvantages of this type of elite include inertia, a weak ability to respond to ongoing social changes, and a tendency to caste.

Classical circulation is the type of circulation that Mosca and Pareto associated with stable and efficient elite rule. The level of circulation is vast and socially deep. This type is characterized by the evolutionary nature of the renewal of the elite. It leads to the emergence and existence of a consensus elite. The functioning of this type of circulation is sufficient to replace inflexible political leaders with less conflict-prone personalities through their exclusion or subordination to more cooperative politicians. The basis of the gradual and peaceful nature of the renewal of the elite is negotiations and cooperation between ascending and descending groups. Classical circulation, in short, is a process of gradual change within an elite. The replacement circulation, like the classical circulation, is characterized by breadth and depth, but is more dynamic and is carried out in a forced way. A typical case is the overthrow of the previous elite and the formation of a new one as a result of the revolution. In this case, the circulation is determined by the struggle between the elite of the old regime and the counter-elite, which seizes power and removes from it all who previously dominated. This mode of circulation gives rise to an ideological elite and a totalitarian regime.

Reproductive circulation - limited and superficial and gradual and evolutionary. An elite group abandons old doctrinal positions or significantly changes them in order to stay in power. Thanks to these maneuvers, most members of the elite manage to maintain power and status. Although there are no big changes, the social profile of the elite is changing. Some fragmentation of the elite is possible. This type of elite circulation is typical for some former republics of the USSR - now members of the CIS - Belarus, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, etc. Reproductive circulation is most often formed when the ideological elite disintegrates and its members form a "party of power", occupying key positions in the economy other spheres of public life separate from the state.

Quasi-replacement circulation is characterized by the least limited changes in the elite, but their sudden and forced nature. There is a division of the elites, which can lead to palace coups in which political cliques change places. Their actions, despite the variety of leadership styles, do not lead to fundamental changes in the nature of politics. So the division of the elite does not lead to major changes.

Reasons for the emergence of political elites in society.

There are two main reasons for the emergence and existence of the political elite of society. First, the very need to manage society gives rise to the existence of a certain elite. Secondly, egocentricity highlights the elite class human nature, his concern for himself and his loved ones.

Formation of political elites.

There are two main ways to form a political elite. The first option is radical. He is associated with cardinal renewal personal composition of the ruling group. A radical renewal of the political elite takes place during periods of acute cataclysms, a radical change in socio-political structures. The main indicator is also the change in the institutional framework. A typical beginning of the process of forming an elite in this way is the creation of a certain initiative group of parallel power structures. If they find it, then these parallel structures simply displace

official authorities together with its representatives, thus, there is a change of elites.

The second method is called recruiting (from the French recruiter - to recruit). The essence of this method lies in the gradual and continuous replacement of vacant status positions in the political hierarchy with new people. In this case we are talking about the personal, partial renewal of the elite, or, in other words, about individual political mobility. In a steadily developing society, it is precisely the gradual renewal of the elite that takes place. The institutional structures that constitute the political elite do not change, and an individual seeking to improve his status in the political hierarchy acts in accordance with the rules established by these structures and the norms of political culture, which is very important for entering the political elite.

Functions of the political elite in society and in politics:

performing the function of the main reserve of leading personnel for various levels political and government controlled;

making strategic management decisions;

creation of mechanisms for the implementation of management decisions;

development of ideological concepts and political programs;

determination of the political goals of social groups and development of mechanisms for the implementation of these goals;

agreement political interests and the formation of the political goals of their group, as well as the creation of policy documents that reflect these interests

And the goals of this group;

When studying the functioning of the political elite, special attention is paid to the relationship between the political and economic elites. When analyzing these relations, political scientists are divided in opinion. Some political scientists believe that the economic elite has a direct influence on the nature of politicians' decisions. And the other part denies this idea, arguing that those in power make decisions without pressure from the rich members of society, that politicians are independent of the economic elite.

There are those who agree that the economic elite influences the political one, but insignificantly and indirectly.

Depending on the criterion of typology, different types of elites can be distinguished.

Typology of the political elite

Selection method

(recruitment)

* Open (entrepreneur) elite;

* closed elite (guilds)

Occupation

* Political;

* economic;

* military;

* bureaucratic;

* cultural information

Place in the political system

* Ruling;

* oppositional (counter-elite)

Character

intra-elite

relations

* Combined (with a high degree integration):

a) ideologically united;

b) consensually united;

* disconnected (with a low degree of inter-

representativeness

* With a high degree of representativeness;

* with a low degree of representativeness

Selection method

The open (entrepreneurial) elite is characterized by the fact that when selecting it, there are a small number of formal restrictions on access to the elite, the paramount importance of a person's personal qualities. The selection mechanism is elections that involve competition. This type of elite provides a high degree of circulation (the opportunity to get into the elite for representatives of different social strata), an influx of people with new ideas into the elite. However, there is a low degree of continuity in policy making.

The closed elite (guild) is characterized by the fact that when selecting it, there are a large number of formal requirements, personal devotion to the leadership, and readiness to unquestioningly follow orders are assumed. Selection mechanism - appointment. This type of elite provides a high degree of continuity in policy making, balanced decisions, and a low degree of internal conflicts. But at the same time, the elite is deprived of an influx of enterprising people into its composition, which leads to its inertia, degradation, and degeneration. The degree of circulation is low.

A striking example of a closed type of elite was the Soviet political leadership. Entry into its composition was carried out on the basis of such formal requirements as party membership, work experience, social origin, age, personal loyalty and political loyalty. At the same time, the professional qualities of a person were of secondary importance.

Occupation

The political elite exercises leadership in the development and implementation of political decisions. Represented by political leaders, heads of influential political parties and movements.

The economic elite includes large owners, bankers, heads of industrial and financial groups, owners of large capitals. Manages the economic sphere of society. In real life, it is often difficult to draw a clear line between political and economic elite groups.

The military elite is represented by the highest generals of the country, it provides professional leadership in the field of defense.

The bureaucratic elite is represented by the highest stratum of civil servants. Manages the organization of the implementation of the adopted political decisions on a national scale.

The cultural and information elite is represented by prominent figures in science and culture, prominent journalists, prominent church hierarchs, i.e. those who form public opinion. The main function of this group is the formation of a favorable public opinion for the elite, the ideological substantiation of the fact of the dominance of this elite and the decisions it makes.

Place in the political system

The ruling elite are those groups and politicians who actually make important decisions (or influence their adoption).

The opposition elite (counter-elite) - those groups and politicians who seek to take the position of the ruling elite, change it in power with the support of the majority of non-elite groups.

The nature of intra-elite relations

The united elite has a high degree of integration and is sufficiently united. It has a low degree of intergroup competition, conflicts are not irreconcilable. At the same time, ideologically united elites form a single (and only) ideology and are intolerant of dissent in their ranks. Consensually united elites develop agreement on the basic values, goals and methods of the policy being pursued, and on the rules of political competition. In the USA and Germany, respectively, 2/3 and 3/4 of the highest officials regularly enter into business and personal contacts with each other and with members of the representative government, which is a manifestation of a rather high degree of unity of the elite.

A disunited elite has a low degree of integration. There is a sharp struggle between various factions for mastering strategic positions, for spheres of control and distribution of resources. Characterized by a high degree of competition, the use of illegal methods of struggle up to a gross compromise of rivals. In England and Holland, respectively, only 16 and 5% of senior officials have regular contact both with each other and with representatives legislature, which is a manifestation of the low degree of unification of the elite.

Degree of representativeness

Highly representative elites can represent the interests of many segments of society. Elites with a low degree of representativeness express, as a rule, the interests of a limited number of segments of society. With the help of typology, one can more clearly imagine the specifics of any particular elite, the processes of its transformation.

The study of the modern political elite of any society for a deeper understanding of its specifics should also be based on historical experience. So, for a more complete knowledge of the features of the modern Russian ruling elite, it is advisable to turn to the study of the country's political past. In pre-revolutionary Russia, the process of formation of the elite and the counter-elite proceeded in the absence of democratic freedoms in society. The official political elite consisted entirely of officials, and the class principle played an important role in shaping its structure. The counter-elite was formed by creating illegal parties. Their social base was made up of various strata of the intelligentsia. After the revolution of 1917, the basis of the elite was the “proletarian” bureaucracy; during the years of Soviet power, the elite was formed according to the nomenklatura principle.

IN Lately in domestic political science, the question of the nature and nature of changes in the ruling elite in Russian society. Essentially, this is a question of whether the change of elites took place in the post-Soviet period. To answer it, you can use the proposed typology, give brief description Soviet and modern Russian elite and then compare the results.

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We can say that the concept of "elite" refers to a relatively narrow circle of people who have significant weight and influence in those areas of public life that they represent. They use a prestigious social status, authority in the eyes of society, certain values ​​and ideological attitudes, economic, political, informational resources to influence most other groups and institutions.

The elite shapes and controls the public opinion of the country through control over foundations, associations, universities, funds mass media. Developing and implementing the strategic goals of the activities of state power, they make key decisions about the forms and means of activity and achieving the desired goals.

One of the fundamental characteristics of a democratic political regime is the competitiveness and competitive nature of the struggle for political power. In such circumstances, the individual is of particular importance. political leader, his image.

Over the past one and a half centuries, there have been dramatic changes in the socio-economic, technological, scientific, educational, socio-cultural, ideological, political and other spheres of public life. Because of this, an ever-increasing number of countries have become characterized by tendencies towards the expansion of the free market and political democracy, the diffusion of property and power, and the increase and pluralization of their sources.

These trends, in turn, have contributed to accelerating social differentiation and expanding opportunities for horizontal and vertical mobility people on the social status ladder. These processes led to an unprecedented increase in the number of elite groups and a change in their qualitative composition.

Any national elite cannot be perceived as a single compact entity with a common set of interests, values, attitudes, etc. First of all, the elites are divided into areas of activity. On this basis, economic, political, scientific and educational, creative, informational, etc. are distinguished. elites.

economic elite are large owners who own corporations, banks, trading firms, top managers of large corporations, etc.

The term "oligarchy" has become established in Russia to designate the highest economic elite, although it is very difficult to determine exactly what content is invested in it. As a rule, an oligarchy is understood as a narrow group of rich people who own large capitals, top managers of the largest financial and production structures, who have close ties with the authorities.

Under scientific and educational elite implies a set of leading representatives of the scientific community and the education system. Their role is determined by the degree of influence on such processes as the development of science and technology, scientific and technical progress, the development and introduction of new technologies into production. It also plays a key role in the development and formation of worldview positions, value orientations, ideas and beliefs of people.

Creative Elite includes the most authoritative and influential figures of art, culture, religion, education, etc., who perform in society the function of production and reproduction of the ideological components of national consciousness, ideological and cultural values, forms and means of their transmission from generation to generation, etc.

information elite are leaders and leading representatives of the media from among journalists, commentators, radio and TV presenters, publicists and analysts who form public opinion and thus have a significant impact on political realities in a particular country and in the world as a whole.

For us, the greatest interest is political elite , which is understood as a social stratum that enjoys political influence and is the main source of leadership for government institutions. Its backbone is made up of high-ranking professional politicians and senior civil servants, endowed with power functions and powers, professionally trained to participate in the development and implementation of political programs, and the development of a strategy for social development.

This, as a rule, is a set of state and political figures, officials higher and regional levels. In most cases, they have the power to make key decisions at various levels of government. They include leaders and active members of political parties, organizations, associations, unions, various socio-political movements, leaders and leading journalists of politically oriented media.

To designate this layer, the concepts of "ruling elite", "ruling stratum", "ruling circles" are also used. As a rule, large material resources, technical and organizational means, mass media, power and information resources etc.

The political elite also includes persons involved in the ideological and informational support of decisions, substantiation or criticism of state policy in various fields public life, leaders and leading journalists of the politically oriented media.

The elites include not only individuals and groups directly involved in governance, but also representatives of the most influential economic and administrative circles, heads of the media, educational institutions, as well as family members of influential people, although they do not seem to be directly involved in decision-making. and policy implementation.

We are also talking about those representatives of the ruling class who are not formally connected with politics, but have behind-the-scenes influence on political decision-making, playing the role of the so-called gray cardinals.

Also stands out counter-elite, including persons who, by status, are not included in power structures, but who have a more or less noticeable influence on political decision-making. The highest echelon of the political opposition traditionally acts as the counter-elite.

This list can be continued, since it is very difficult to draw any clearly defined line of demarcation between representatives of various elite groups. In general, these are people who, as G. Mosca said, have the ability to develop a "formula of government" with the help of which the minority justifies its power and convinces the politically inert mass of its legitimacy. The accumulated life experience of generations represented in the relevant institutions (schools, colleges, universities) is the source of knowledge that ensures the success of its components.

However, it should be understood that high social positions and a specific lifestyle obscure such personal characteristics of the elite as cultural and educational level, moral and ethical attitudes, professionalism, the ability to lead people and mobilize them to solve certain problems, setting them to serve. the interests of society, the people and the state, etc. At the same time, it is not so much the presence of these qualities that is important, but the identification with the elite of persons occupying high positions in the power hierarchy. This is evidenced by the presence in the ranks of the elite of many random people who showed themselves extravagance, the ability to break through, especially in times of crisis, as it was, for example, in Russia in the troubled 90s. 20th century

Although the institutions and forms of democracy may vary from country to country, there is a certain set of principles, norms and values ​​that constitute the conditions without which any regime cannot be regarded as democratic in the proper sense of the word.

• Bridge G. Decree. op. S. 118.

In society, there are an economic elite (large owners, bankers, etc.), a political elite (persons holding senior positions in civil and military authorities), a bureaucratic elite, a spiritual elite (leading representatives of science, culture, religion, education, the media ). The political elite among them is distinguished by the fact that, concentrating political power in their hands, it is public, manages society, and makes strategically important decisions.

What is the structure of the modern political elite? Modern Indian political scientist P. Sharan distinguishes the following groups within the political elite.

High Elite - these are people holding strategic political posts: in the government, parties, trade unions. They make the most important political decisions.

Middle Elite is formed, first of all, from the most influential elected persons admitted to management: parliamentarians, deputies, governors, mayors. As a rule, this is 5% of the top of the legislative, executive and judicial branches in the country.

Administrative elite consists of the highest stratum of civil servants occupying key positions in the administrative apparatus.

The structure and social representativeness of the political elite are not permanent. The changes taking place in society have a great impact on the composition of the elite. In the preparation of the political elite, a huge role belongs to parties that put forward political leaders from among themselves who are capable of defending the interests of certain social groups.

How is the recruitment of the political elite. In the formation of the elite, three principles of selection are usually distinguished: by blood (aristocracy of birth or rank); by the principle of ownership (property or financial aristocracy); according to the success achieved (the aristocracy of mind and talent).

Elites can be open or closed, which means, first of all, the process of influx into the elite ranks of people from other social strata. The political elite is called open if access to its circle is open to representatives of various strata. This trend is characteristic of democratic states. Thanks to the open elite, the most capable people, with high professional qualities. This helps to strengthen political power in society.

An elite is closed when it reproduces itself on the basis of a very narrow social base. This trend is typical for states with totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. Stagnation leads to an increase in crisis processes in society, as a result of which a closed elite loses the ability to effectively manage society.

However, there is no direct relationship between the type of political regime and the degree of openness of the political elite. IN Soviet times In the 1930s, the state was totalitarian, but the process of recruiting the elite was open character- worker-peasant origin was especially valued among the Soviet commissars. On the contrary, a study of elite formation in the United States showed that, despite the democratic regime, the system of recruiting the political elite is slightly open to those who have a low social status.

What are the ways to advance to the heights of a political career. World practice distinguishes between two systems for selecting elites - guild system and entrepreneurial system. When selecting candidates under the guild system, the emphasis is on their political preferences, strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the class, organization. As a result, the guild system is characterized by high predictability of political changes, continuity of political courses, and a low probability of political conflicts. Careful selection of candidates is ensured by a large number of formal requirements (length of service, age, characteristics, party membership, etc.), the selection is carried out in a closed and narrow circle of the selectorate. The adherence of candidates to the same political values ​​ensures a high group cohesion of the elite.

The entrepreneurial selection system is based on other principles. It focuses on such qualities of candidates as their creative abilities, the ability to convince, to please people. Such a system opens access to power (at least formally) to various social groups of society, since it puts forward a limited number of requirements. For example, to be nominated for the presidency of Kazakhstan, it is enough that the candidate is at least 40 years old, has lived in the country for at least 15 years, and owns official language. The selection process is characterized by a sharp confrontation of candidates. Such a system is democratic, it implies an influx of the most gifted people into the elite. The reverse side of this system is: frequent change of course due to changes in the ruling elite, poor predictability of political decisions, frequent conflicts within the elite, etc.

In practice, no system is used in its pure form. As a rule, both systems are more often used in a certain combination.

Along with the selection system, some other factors also influence the social performance of elites.

The quality of education has a significant influence on the selection of the elite. Thus, according to the results of a representative study of the elites of Sweden, Italy, Germany, England, Holland, the USA and France, conducted in 1989, 80% of members of parliament and 96% of government officials have a university education. In a number of countries, access to the elite is conditional on having diplomas from certain universities. In France, a special place among all institutions of education and training, and even among Les Grandes Ecoles, is occupied by the National School of Administration under the Prime Minister of France - ENA. ENA ranks first not so much in terms of the level of education, but in terms of the prospects for career growth and success in life. The vast majority of French AEN graduates become leading government politicians, heads of French institutions, parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomats and members international organizations, judges of higher instances, lawyers of the State Council, administrative and financial controllers of the highest rank, heads and top managers of the largest state and international firms and banks, mass media and communications. AEN gave France two presidents, seven prime ministers, a large number of ministers, prefects, senators and deputies of the National Assembly. In the UK, the so-called public schools - Eton, Winchester, Harrow - serve as the main training centers for the political elite. Eighteen prime ministers are known to have come from the walls of Eton alone.

In countries Latin America Quite often, military service becomes the beginning of a successful political career. In Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, it is the military who form the basis of the political elite of society. Work in the public administration system is of great importance for a political career in Germany, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan. In many Islamic countries, the church is an important institution that influences the formation of a political leader's career. The whole world knows the name of the former religious leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini.

In the history and modern political life of Kazakhstan, the dominant position was mostly occupied by political and administrative elites. The following dominant stereotypes and value orientations of the elite can be singled out: etatism and paternalism; authoritarianism and "decree-entrustment right"; patriotism and tolerance towards other cultures; statehood and selflessness in upholding national interests and values, etc.