This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Mmj (talk | contribs) at 04:55, 2 June 2004 (Quite a bit of clarification, attempt to keep this point of view neutral.. still going). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 04:55, 2 June 2004 by Mmj (talk | contribs) (Quite a bit of clarification, attempt to keep this point of view neutral.. still going)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Elitism is a belief or attitude that an elite - a small body of persons whose abilities or attributes place them at the top of any field - are the only people whose views on a matter are to be taken seriously, or who are fit to govern a group. Under elitism these people are seen as occupying a special position of authority in a group, as opposed to the majority of people who do not match up with their abilities or attributes.
The abilities or attributes of a person that can be considered elite vary. They include, but are not limited to:
- High level of academic qualifications
- High level of experience in a given field
- High intelligence
- High natural abilities such as athletic abilities
- High creativity
- Good taste
- Large amount of personal wealth
The term "elitism" can be used resentfully by somebody who is not a member of an elite, to complain about the attitude of somebody they feel is discriminating against them on the basis of ability or attributes. "Elitist" is often confused with "elite," making any informed recognition of a canon, perceived as submission to cultural tyranny, or any expression of intrinsic superior quality appear as if it were a form of snobbism. The elite apply the principles of democracy where they apply, not to brain surgery, or to the characteristics of a candidate currently expressed as "electability."
"Sentimentality" is a point-of-view that applies righteous emotions to situations where they are inappropriate. "Sentimental democracy" misapplies democratic principles.
The term 'elitist' is often used rather vaguely as a criticism of political and cultural attitudes thought to encourage the exclusion of large numbers of people from decision-making.
See also: anti-intellectualism, academic elitism
Elitism in the context of education is the belief or practice of restricting or at least concentrating attention to the best students, the rest being deemed unworthy of attention.