Answer to Question #251823 in Sociology for NEO

Question

The elites must therefore have a functional role in society. Carefully consider each of the theories (functionalist, pluralist, elite theory, Marxist, Neo-Marxist and state-centered theories) and explain how each contribute to our thinking of elites and their relationship with society

Answer 1

Whereas Marxism focuses on a stateless society, Neo-Marxists emphasise on the imperialistic and militaristic government to prevent the concentration of surpluscapital in the hands of business elites.

The functionalist perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on how each part influences and is influenced by other parts. Elements of society are functional if they contribute to social stability and dysfunctional if they disrupt social stability and encourage elitism.

Pluralists believe that social heterogeneity prevents any single group from gaining dominance. In their view, politics is essentially a matter of aggregating preferences while the elitist encourage a small group of powerful people holding a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege, political power, or skill in a society.