<aside> 💡 History in the eyes of Pareto is a never-ending circulation of elite rule. Major changes in society occurs when one elite replace another.

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Characteristics

Difference with Elite theory of power

TWO GOVERNING ELITE

He argues that there are two main governing elite 'Lions' and 'Foxes'.( Idea borrowed from the Niccolo Machiavelli)

• [ ] Lions
  1. Lions rule by their ability to take Direct and decisive actions
  2. Lions rule by Force
  3. Elites of lions lacks the imagination and cunning necessary to maintain its rule.
  4. To coup up with this deficiency they have to admit foxes from masses.
  5. Ex: Dictatorship fall here
• [ ] Foxes
  1. Foxes rule by cunning and guide by diplomatic manipulation and wheeling and dealing.
  2. However, they lacks ability to take forceful and decisive action, which is essential to retain power.
  3. Ex: Chanakya and Chandragupta fall here

CIRCULATION OF ELITS

Because in course of time they frequently replace each other.

• [ ] Elites decadent

  1. Each elite lacks the quality of its counterparts.
  2. They decay in quality and lose their vigour.
  3. Become soft and ineffective with the pleasure of easy living and the privilege of power.
  4. Inflexible to respond to changes.

  Result

  1. They have to recruit people from the masses, over a period they grow in power and replace the elite

  Example: Rise of emperor Meji in place of Tokugawa, Rise of Afgan Leader after the Sayyad Dynasty.

DEMOCRACY

For Pareto modern democracy as just another form of elite domination.

For this reason, Pareto is criticized

Relevant in India

Criticism