Methods of Elite Identification
Faculty/Professorship: | Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Business Administration |
Author(s): | Hoffmann-Lange, Ursula ![]() |
Title of the compilation: | The Palgrave Handbook of Political Elites |
Editors: | Best, Heinrich; Higley, John |
Publisher Information: | London : Palgrave Macmillan |
Year of publication: | 2018 |
Pages: | 79-92 |
ISBN: | 978-1-137-51904-7 |
Language(s): | English |
DOI: | 10.1057/978-1-137-51904-7_8 |
Abstract: | This chapter discusses the three classic methods of elite identification—the positional, the decisional, and the reputational method. The three methods use different operationalizations of political power and influence. The procedures involved in applying the methods are explained and critically discussed, with reference to prominent elite studies. The three methods differ with respect to how they determine elite boundaries. The choice of method determines the size and structure of the resulting elite formation. Depending on the method chosen, empirical elite research is compatible with both the assumption of a small and exclusive power elite or a pluralistic elite structure. Therefore, the resulting elite structure does not permit determining the degree of power concentration in society in an absolute way, but only comparatively. |
GND Keywords: | Elite |
Keywords: | Elite Identification, Elite Pluralism, Elite Structure, Community Power Studies, Elite Population |
DDC Classification: | 320 Political Science |
RVK Classification: | MS 1480 |
Type: | Contribution to an Articlecollection |
URI: | https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/46690 |
Release Date: | 18. November 2019 |

originated at the
University of Bamberg
University of Bamberg