Elitist theory of Democracy

Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as 'rule of the people '. Elucidate. UPSC 2022 Paper 1A Qn 2c

Democracy as a form of government rests the ultimate authority of governance in ordinary people. However, the elitist theory of government fundamentally negated the government of the people and brought to the front a small minority of elites who actually exercise power in governance.

Gaetano Mosca subscribed to elitist theory of democracy by postulating that people are divided into two groups i.e., the rulers and the ruled.

Through the concept of the 'iron law of oligarchy', Robert Michel propounded that every organization irrespective of its aims and objectives tends to reduce to oligarchy as the elite class shows the highest ability to leadership.

Joseph Schumpeter notices that the role of people is reduced to choosing their rulers from the competing elite.

However, Karl Mannheim argues that society has not yet ceased to be democratic in elitist government as people can always influence or force policy-making according to their interests. But for Schumpeter, policy initiative remains in the hands of the elite and people respond according to their choice.

Liberal democracy, according to Aron, is characterized by checks and balances and plurality of elites. Those in power are sensitive to public opinion and are conscious of opposition. But goes on to say, that the policy initiative still remains in the hands of the elite.

Sartori views governance through leadership as essential and considers 'any notion of self-governing people is a delusion', as a common man is vulnerable to exploitation by anti-democratic elites. He emphasizes the role of leadership in educating public opinion.

 

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