1. Concept & Definition of Elite
What is an Elite?
DefinitionElites are a small minority of people who occupy positions of power, influence, and prestige in society — politically, economically, socially, or culturally. They control key institutions, make consequential decisions, and shape the life-chances of the majority.
| Thinker | Definition | Key Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| C. Wright Mills | Those who make decisions having major consequences, who are able to realise their will even if others resist, and who have the most of what there is to have — money, power, and prestige. | Decision-making power; ability to overcome resistance; control of money, power & prestige simultaneously |
| Parry Geraint | Small minorities who play an exceptionally influential part in the affairs of society in specific fields. | Numerical minority; field-specific influence |
| S. F. Nadel | Those who have an influence over the fate of society because of their superiority. | Superiority as the basis of influence |
| Ram Ahuja | Power holders in multiple domains who often reproduce social inequality through manipulation, accommodation and bargain. | Multi-domain power; non-conflictual reproduction of inequality |
Key pointElite = small organised minority controlling power, resources, and decision-making in society.
RememberM-G-N-A — Mills, Geraint, Nadel, Ahuja
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In these notes
- Concept & Definition of Elite
- Ram Ahuja's Four Features of Elite
- Operational Definition of Political Elite
- Types of Elites in India
- Pre-Colonial Elites: Caste + Land + Power
- Colonial Period: The New English-Educated Elite
- Classical Elite Theories: Pareto, Mosca, Michels, Mills, Bottomore
- Ram Ahuja's Five-Phase Framework: Phase 1 (1947–52)
- Ram Ahuja's Five-Phase Framework: Phase 2 (1952–62)
- Ram Ahuja's Five-Phase Framework: Phase 3 (1962–71)
- Ram Ahuja's Five-Phase Framework: Phase 4 (1971–89)
- Ram Ahuja's Five-Phase Framework: Phase 5 (1989–99)
- Old Elite vs. New Elite — The Great Transformation
- Yogendra Singh — Five Structural Changes in Elite Composition
- Ram Ahuja's Critique of Pareto — Movement, Not Circulation
- Marxian Approach vs. Indian Reality
- Counter-Elites: Dalit and OBC Elite Formation — Three Phases
- Counter-Elites: Women as Political Elite
- Counter-Elites: Technocratic Elite — A New Category
- C. Wright Mills' Power Elite Applied to India
- Critical Perspective: Elite Circulation or Elite Persistence?
- Q: 'Examine the changing structure of political elite in India since Independence. How does Ram Ahuja's analysis differ from Pareto's circulation of elites?'
- Probable UPSC/OPSC Questions with Marks Guide
- One-Page Revision Summary — Elite Formation in India
- Conclusion — Elite Formation in India