Elite
- Alternate meaning: Elite (computer game)
In
sociology, an
elite comprises a relatively small
group within a larger one. The elite (the word comes from the French and suggests the
chosen or the
elect) may mark itself out on grounds of
social class, access to power,
education,
money,
prestigious genes,
race,
culture, etc. Elites may press "rights" to influence or even aspire to
leadership.
Aristocracy forms one traditional form of an elite, oligarchy another.
For applied concepts of the elite, see elitism.
