Currently a hotly debated topic dominates the domestic section of the media in Germany: the growing perception of social inequality. Part of this discussion is the debate about rising manager salaries, which have more than doubled in Germany since 1998.
Against this background this paper analyses the composition of today's economic elite and the accessibility and openness of this echelon of society.
The paper starts with giving an overview of different elite theories.
Section two will answer the question, who are the members of German economic elite, referring to the widely noticed work of Michael Hartmann and the Potsdamer Elitenstudie conducted 1995 by Wilhelm Bürklin et alii. This section also compares the German economic elite with those of other European countries.
The work ends with a critical résumé.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- 1. A Brief Overview of Elite Theories
- 1.1 The Classical Theories
- 1.2 The Functional Theories
- 1.3 The Critical Theories
- 2. Today's Economic Elite
- 2.1 German Economic Elite
- 2.1.1 Extrinsic Reasons for the Composition of German Elite
- 2.1.2 Intrinsic Reasons for the Composition of German Elite
- 2.2 European Economic Elite
- 2.1 German Economic Elite
- 3. Résumé
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the composition of today's economic elite and explores the accessibility and openness of this social echelon. It aims to understand the characteristics of this elite and how they influence the wider society.
- The evolution and development of elite theories.
- The composition and characteristics of the German economic elite.
- Comparisons between the German economic elite and elites in other European countries.
- The dynamics of power and influence within the economic elite.
- The accessibility and openness of the economic elite to different social strata.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the context by highlighting the current debate on social inequality and the growing prominence of the economic elite in Germany. It introduces the concept of elite theories and their relevance to understanding the composition and role of the economic elite.
Chapter 1 presents a detailed overview of different elite theories, categorized into classical, functional, and critical approaches. It explores the key concepts and contributions of influential theorists like Gaetano Mosca, Vilfredo Pareto, Robert Michels, Suzanne Keller, Otto Stammer, and C. Wright Mills.
Chapter 2 delves into the composition of today's economic elite, focusing on the German context. It examines both extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing to the formation of this elite. The chapter also compares the German economic elite to those in other European countries, offering insights into cross-national variations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the key terms and concepts related to elite theories, economic elites, social inequality, accessibility, openness, power, and influence. It draws upon research conducted by renowned scholars like Michael Hartmann, Wilhelm Bürklin, and C. Wright Mills, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who constitutes today's economic elite in Germany?
The economic elite primarily consists of top-level managers and executives of major corporations, as detailed in studies like the "Potsdamer Elitenstudie" and the work of Michael Hartmann.
What are the main types of elite theories?
Elite theories are generally categorized into classical theories (Mosca, Pareto), functional theories (Keller, Stammer), and critical theories (C. Wright Mills).
How open is the access to the economic elite?
The paper investigates social permeability and finds that while there is some openness, intrinsic and extrinsic factors often favor individuals from specific social backgrounds.
How have manager salaries changed in Germany recently?
Since 1998, manager salaries in Germany have more than doubled, which has fueled a broader public debate about social inequality.
How does the German economic elite compare to other European elites?
The paper provides a comparative analysis, highlighting cross-national variations in how economic elites are formed and how much power they wield within their respective societies.
What is the "Potsdamer Elitenstudie"?
It is a significant 1995 study by Wilhelm Bürklin et al. that analyzed the social origins, careers, and attitudes of the leadership echelons in unified Germany.
- Quote paper
- David Hörnle (Author), 2008, Today's economic elite, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/91466
