Elitism and elitisism. The problem of classification of the political elite theory

Abstract

The attempt to characterize elitism and elitisism (exclusivity) as two different standpoints seems to be up to date and legitimate for at least two reasons. A peculiar renaissance of expressing an interest in the elite problem is followed by an increase in publications, in which differences between elitism and elitisism are underestimated, often undistinguished or even meant as identical. On the other hand, a negative opinion of political actors spread in social reception not approving of the activities of elites is conducive to pejorative connotations associated with elitisism. The premises oblige to a broad discussion devoted to differentiation of the standpoints and encourage to make an attempt at systematizing the existing conceptions of elites basing on the marked off criteria.
Describing the ideas of the theory creators and the explorers of elites, one can distinguish at least three essential grounds, the range of which presents differing standpoints of elitisism and elitism supporters .The opinions concern such aspects of elites’ functioning as: the scope of power concentration, the extent of elites’ elitisism and axiological context given to the notion of elite. Although the criteria can be graded, various standpoints in these spheres mark differences between the opinions of those who represent elitisism on one hand and the followers of elitism on the other.