Pareto's Elite Theory Explained

Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist and sociologist, developed theories about the ruling class, or 'elites'. He distinguished between two main types of elites:

• Lion type: Those who maintain power through force, tradition, and conservatism.
• Fox type: Those who maintain power through cunning, intelligence, adaptability, and manipulation. They are innovative and often use diplomacy or deception.

Applying the 'Fox Elite' to Government Systems

Pareto observed the "circulation of elites," suggesting that elites rise and fall, and are replaced by others. He used historical examples to illustrate his points.

In his analysis, Pareto identified characteristics of the 'fox type of elite' and provided examples of where such elites operated or were prevalent. He specifically cited instances within:

• European democracies as a system where the 'fox type' of elite, adept at navigating political maneuvering and adaptation, could thrive and maintain influence through non-coercive, often strategic, means.

This contrasts with systems potentially more dominated by the 'lion type' elite, relying on brute force or established hierarchies.