Elite cohesion

Definition

Elite cohesion refers to the solidarity and unity among a small, privileged group of individuals who hold significant power and influence in society. This phenomenon is crucial for understanding how elites maintain their dominance and control over resources, decision-making processes, and social structures. When elite groups share common interests, values, or goals, they are more likely to collaborate effectively to reinforce their power and perpetuate existing social hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elite cohesion is often fostered through shared experiences, education, and social networks that create a strong bond among influential individuals.
2. The presence of elite cohesion can lead to the reinforcement of policies and practices that benefit the elite while marginalizing lower socioeconomic groups.
3. Political parties and organizations may exhibit elite cohesion by aligning their agendas and strategies to ensure the continued dominance of powerful members.
4. Elite cohesion can be a double-edged sword; while it can strengthen an elite's hold on power, it can also lead to infighting or fragmentation if interests diverge.
5. Public perception of elite cohesion can vary; while some view it as necessary for stability, others see it as a barrier to social mobility and democratic governance.

Review Questions

• How does elite cohesion contribute to the maintenance of power among influential groups in society?
  • Elite cohesion allows influential groups to maintain power by creating a united front that can effectively promote their shared interests. When elites work together, they can influence policy decisions and resource allocation in ways that benefit their group. This collaboration helps ensure that their collective goals are prioritized, reinforcing existing hierarchies and limiting opportunities for those outside of the elite circle.
• Discuss the implications of elite cohesion on social stratification and its impact on societal equality.
  • Elite cohesion exacerbates social stratification by ensuring that resources and opportunities remain concentrated among a select few. As cohesive elites align their interests, they are able to shape policies that favor their status while simultaneously marginalizing lower socioeconomic groups. This creates systemic barriers for upward mobility and reinforces inequalities within society, making it difficult for disadvantaged individuals to access resources or power.
• Evaluate how elite cohesion may affect democratic processes and citizen engagement in governance.
  • Elite cohesion can undermine democratic processes by allowing powerful groups to dominate decision-making at the expense of broader public participation. When cohesive elites prioritize their interests, they may ignore or suppress dissenting voices from the general populace. This dynamic can lead to decreased citizen engagement in governance, as individuals feel disenfranchised or powerless against the organized efforts of influential elites who control key political outcomes.

Related terms

Power Elite: A term coined by sociologist C. Wright Mills to describe a small group of people who hold disproportionate power in society, typically within political, military, and economic spheres.

Social Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in society based on factors such as wealth, power, education, and prestige.

Network Analysis: A method used to study social relationships and the structures formed by the connections between individuals, often revealing patterns of influence among elite groups.