| |
An elite is a group that hold social power such as wealth, authority and influence. The following are illustrative examples of an elite.Upper ClassWealthy families that have maintained their wealth for at least three generations. This is associated with specialized cultural capital whereby the upper class in a particular nation have shared behaviors that serve to unite them and preserve their position.
Nouveau RicheFamilies that have recently acquired wealth. These are often an entrepreneurial class that collectively control more resources than the upper class but haven't demonstrated an ability or desire to maintain this position over many generations. Political ElitePoliticians, bureaucrats and others who control the vast resources of nations. Corporate EliteThe officers and directors that control the resources of large corporations.
Cultural EliteLeaders of culture such as the leadership of a religion. People who are interested in culture such as art may consider themselves a cultural elite but this isn't an accurate description as interest doesn't constitute social power.Academic EliteHighly cited professors who lead the direction of an academic discipline. TalentPeople who are unusually talented such that they dominate the direction of a science, industry, sport or art. For example, an artist who founds an artistic movement that influences the entire future direction of art.
Social StatusIndividuals with very high social status, particularly celebrities such as musicians, actors and other people who are widely admired for their creative outputs. The elite of celebrities become household names such that virtually everyone in a nation has heard of them.InfluencersPeople with the capacity to meaningfully influence either a small number of powerful people with direct communication or millions of regular people through media. In most cases, this is a limited type of power that doesn't directly control any resources. It is also common for influence to be overestimated with vanity metrics.|
Type | | Definition | A group that hold social power such as wealth, authority and influence. | Related Concepts | |
Social Status
This is the complete list of articles we have written about social status.
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
The common types of social status.
The definition of sycophancy with examples.
A list of words that can be viewed as the opposite of humble.
A list of the common elements of human nature.
An overview of the common types of social change.
The definition of sociology with examples.
The definition of social power with examples.
The definition of lumpenproletariat with examples.
The common types of advantage.
The definition of social class with examples.
The definition of middle class with examples.
The definition of working class with examples.
The definition of class consciousness with examples.
The basic characteristics of social class.
The definition of national rights with a list of examples.
TrendingThe most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.
Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map
© 2010-2023 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.
View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page.
|