Elite theory is like saying that in a society, a small group of people hold the most power and

make all the important decisions. This group is often made up of people with similar
backgrounds or positions. Even though we live in a democracy where everyone gets a vote,
this small group still holds the power. This is because they have access to resources and
influence that the majority do not have. The theory suggests that no matter how
democratic a society is, this powerful group can't be controlled by the majority. So, in simple
terms, elite theory is a way to understand who really holds power in society.
In Vilfredo Pareto's Classical Elite Theory, he categorizes the elite into two types: 'Foxes'
and 'Lions'.
'Foxes' are those who dominate through cunning, manipulation, and co-optation. They are
like the clever and diplomatic individuals who espouse liberal, decentralized, pluralistic, and
rational politics. They hesitate to use hard power, meaning they avoid using force. An
example of a 'Fox' could be a leader who uses diplomacy and negotiation to achieve their
goals.
On the other hand, 'Lions' are those who rule through unity, faith, and hierarchy. They are
more like the decisive individuals who are not afraid to use force when necessary. An
example of a 'Lion' could be a dictator or a leader who uses force to maintain control.
Pareto believed that power rotates between these two types of elites, a process he called
'circulation of elites'. This means that sometimes 'Foxes' are in power, and at other times,
'Lions' are in power. This rotation, according to Pareto, is a natural and inevitable process in
any society.
According to the "Circulation of Elites" theory, changes in society, such as regime changes
or revolutions, occur not when rulers are overthrown from below, but when one elite group
replaces another. This means that the role of ordinary people in such transformations is not
that of initiators or principal actors, but as followers and supporters of one elite or another.
Pareto believed that people are unequal physically, intellectually, and morally. In any society
or group, some people are more gifted than others. These gifted individuals form the "elite"
and they have the highest indices in their branch of activity. Pareto further divided the elite
class into two categories: a Governing elite, who directly or indirectly play a considerable
part in government, and a Non-governing elite, comprising the rest.
However, Pareto also acknowledged that there can be a divergence between those assigned
elite positions and those who actually possess superior capacity. He believed that in a
perfectly open society with perfect social mobility, the governing elite would consist of the
people most capable of governing. But in reality, obstacles such as inherited wealth and
family connections often prevent the free circulation of individuals through the ranks of
society.
Pareto was a strong advocate of maximum social mobility and careers open to all. He saw
the danger that elite positions once occupied by men of real talent could, over time, be
taken over by men devoid of such talent. When the circulation of elites is impeded, social
equilibrium is upset and the social order may decay. This could lead to the violent
overthrow of an old, ineffectual governing elite by a new one that is capable of governing.
So, in essence, the "Circulation of Elites" theory describes the continuous cycle of renewal
and replacement of elites in society.