The Precession of Simulacra: Elites in the Post-Industrial Society

Abstract

The study of elites and elite theory has pervaded the literature of a number of different disciplines including sociology, anthropology, economics and others. Historically, there have been any number of reasons why one might be identified or considered to be a member of the elites. Being identified as an elite typically carried with it specific rights, rules and obligations. As such, there were implicit or explicit associations and judgements regarding the fitness of their decision-making and actions (Veblen, 1934). There were established expectations and responsibilities regarding their roles in political processes (Lippmann, 2008), as well as in concepts of philanthropy, a sense of duty within the concept of noblesse oblige (Skiffington, 1991) and within both ancient and contemporary regimes (Bottomore, 1993). Such breadth and depth of involvement helps justify why one might argue that elites and elite theory need reconsideration in our contemporary discourses and processes.