ELITIST THEORY

OF DEMOCRACY
Dr.Gagandeep Dhaliwal
Asst prof (pol sci)
AIL,Mohali
 ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY
▪ With the beginning of the 17th century, a new form of Democracy started to

evolve, which is known as Liberal Democracy. Right up to the beginning of

the present century, the notion of Liberal Democracy had been the burning
issue with the political scholars. This Concept of Liberal Democracy is known
as the Classical Theory of Democracy. In the beginning of the 20thcentury,
another theory of democracy originated, which is known as the "Elitist
Theory of Democracy".
 ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY
▪ This theory is basically founded on the concept of elites. In order to understand the Elitist Theory of
Democracy, it is necessary to understand the concept of elites.

▪ Concept of Elites. The concept of Political Elites is mainly associated with the names of two Italian
Sociologists, Pareto and Mosca. Michels, Burnham and Wright Mills also enunciated the same.

▪ According to G.K. Roberts, " The minority within a social collectivity (e.g. a society, a state, a religious
institution, a political party) which exercises a preponderant influence within that collectivity is an Elite.”

▪ An elite which exercises preponderant political influence is called the Ruling elite, or by some writers, the
Political elite."
ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY-MEANING
▪ The Elitist theorist believe that in every society, primarily, it is a handful of a selected people

who enjoy the real power. From theoretical point of view, in regard to abode of sovereignty,
any system of government can prevail, but the practical truth is that in every kind of system of
government, it is only a handful of people who run the administration. These are called
Political Elites. The existence of the political elites inevitable and universal. No system of
government can claim to be free from the same in practice.

▪ The famous scholars like Schumpter, Robert.A.Dahl, Aron, Sartori and Karl Mannheim,

etc. are the leading advocates of this theory.

ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY-MEANING
▪ G. Mosca, "In all societies two classes of people appear—a class that rules

and a class that is ruled. The first class always less numerous, performs all
political functions, monopolizes power and enjoys the advantages that power
brings, whereas the second the more numerous class is directed and controlled
by the first .The domination of an organised minority over unorganised
majority is inevitable."
ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY-FEATURES
▪ Inevitability of political elites in all societies
▪ Government by the people and of the people is a sheer fantasy
▪ Every society has two categories of people-Ruler and Ruled
▪ Recognition to inequality
▪ Purpose of elections
ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY-FEATURES
▪ Plurality of Elites/Two types of Elites-Governing and non –governing Elites
▪ Competing struggle for votes amongst the Elites
▪ Democracy is rule of political Elites
▪ Non-participation of the people in Decision making process
▪ It is a theory of Democratic machinery
ELITIST THEORY OF
DEMOCRACY-CRITICISM
▪ It is a capitalistic theory
▪ Non participation of people in decision making process is undemocratic
▪ Conservative theory
▪ It gives too much importance to the political leaders
▪ Notion of inequality is improper