The circulation of elites is a concept introduced by the Italian sociologist Vilfredo Pareto in his

work The Mind and Society (1916). It refers to the idea that societal elites (the individuals or
groups holding power, wealth, and influence) do not remain static or fixed over time. Instead,
they are constantly changing, with different individuals or groups rising to power and others
falling from it.

Pareto's theory suggests that societies go through cycles in which elites exchange positions, often
driven by shifts in economic, political, or social dynamics. According to Pareto, this process of
elite circulation is an inherent feature of human societies, as elites continually emerge from
different sectors (e.g., the military, business, intellectuals, or political spheres), while others lose
power due to changes in society or their inability to adapt.

This idea challenges the belief in a fixed or permanent ruling class, proposing that the structure
of power is dynamic and subject to continuous change. In a practical sense, elite circulation can
be observed in political systems, where leaders may rise and fall in power through elections,
revolutions, or other mechanisms of change. The term also has implications for the
understanding of social mobility and inequality.

2. Key Ideas

 Elites and Non-Elites: According to Pareto, societies are divided into two main groups:
elites (the powerful, wealthy, influential) and non-elites (the masses or the general
population). The elites are those who hold power, wealth, or influence, while the non-
elites are those who are subject to their control.
 Dynamic Circulation: The central idea of the circulation of elites is that elites are in a
constant process of replacement or transformation. New groups or individuals emerge,
displacing old elites. The structure of power and leadership is therefore fluid and
changes over time.
 Ruling Elites: The elites can come from various domains such as politics, business,
military, intellectual spheres, and so on. As the society changes, these elites either adapt
or lose their power to new groups.

3. How Elites Circulate

 Internal Mobility: Individuals within a certain elite group (e.g., political, military) can
move up or down the hierarchy, depending on factors like competence, ambition, and
circumstances.
 External Mobility: New individuals or groups can emerge from outside the current elite
structure. For example, new political leaders might rise to power, or business magnates
might gain influence by changing economic conditions.
 Revolutionary Cycles: Sometimes, elite circulation can happen through more abrupt
processes, such as revolutions or major societal upheavals. In these cases, older elites
may be overthrown or displaced by new groups that represent different interests.
5. Pareto’s Two Types of Elites

 Lions: These are the more aggressive, forceful, and dynamic members of the elite,
typically associated with the military or political leadership. Lions tend to rise to power
through force, coercion, and decisiveness.
 Foxes: These are the more cunning, diplomatic, and calculating members of the elite,
often associated with intellectual or business elites. Foxes use strategy, intellect, and
persuasion to maintain power.

Pareto believed that societies need both types of elites to maintain balance. However, over time,
one group may rise over the other depending on the state of the society and the nature of the
challenges it faces.

6. The Mechanism of Elite Circulation

 Elite Reproduction: According to Pareto, elites often reproduce themselves in certain

7. Historical Examples of Elite Circulation

 Roman Empire: Pareto’s work on elite circulation was partially inspired by the rise and
fall of the Roman Empire. The way the Roman elite shifted from old aristocratic families
to military leaders and new political figures can be seen as a historical example of elite
circulation.
 French Revolution: The French Revolution is another famous example of elite
circulation. Before the revolution, the French monarchy and aristocracy were the
dominant elites. After the revolution, a new group of elites, including revolutionaries
like Napoleon, emerged to take power.
 Modern Political Systems: In modern democracies, elections serve as mechanisms of
elite circulation. New political leaders can rise through electoral systems, and older
elites may lose their power due to changing public opinion or political movements.

8. Criticism and Further Development

 Social Mobility and Inequality: Some critics argue that Pareto’s theory overlooks the
complex mechanisms of social mobility. While elite circulation may happen, those from
lower social classes may still face barriers to entry into the elite, leading to persistent
inequality.
 Elite Circulation in Democratic Societies: In democratic societies, elite circulation occurs
through regular elections, but this system still has its limitations. For example, political
dynasties or wealthy elites often retain their power, suggesting that elite mobility is
more constrained than Pareto's model would suggest.
  Modern Perspectives: Later scholars, like C. Wright Mills in The Power Elite (1956),
further expanded the idea of elite circulation by analyzing how elites in the military,
corporate, and political sectors interact and maintain power in modern societies.

9. Theories Related to Elite Circulation

 The Elite Theory: The circulation of elites is often discussed within the framework of
elite theory, which posits that society is always controlled by a small group of elites.
These elites might change over time, but they continue to hold the power in social,
economic, and political matters.
 Oligarchy: Pareto's theory also intersects with the idea of oligarchy—the rule of a few
over the many. While Pareto suggests that elites circulate, the structure of oligarchy
remains, where elites control society in one form or another.
 Social Mobility and Stratification: Elite circulation highlights the relationship between
social mobility and the entrenched stratification systems of societies. It challenges the
notion that elites remain fixed, yet also points to the limits of social mobility in certain
contexts.

10. Relevance in Contemporary Society

 The idea of elite circulation is particularly relevant today as power structures continue
to evolve. The rise of new technologies (e.g., tech moguls) and shifts in global economic
power (e.g., China's rise) have led to the emergence of new elites in non-traditional
fields.
 The circulation of elites in the modern world is seen in the emergence of leaders from
diverse sectors like technology, finance, media, and even social activism. However,
some argue that contemporary capitalist systems have made it harder for real social
mobility to occur, and elite power is increasingly consolidated in a few influential
families or groups.

Conclusion

The circulation of elites provides a crucial insight into the dynamic nature of power in society.
By understanding that elites are constantly circulating, societies can better grasp the complex and
changing nature of political, economic, and social hierarchies. However, the challenges of social
mobility and persistent inequality remind us that, even with circulation, power tends to remain
concentrated in the hands of a few, complicating the ideal of equal opportunity for all.