In this substantially revised and enlarged second edition of a classic text that has been used throughout the world in numerous translations, Tom Bottomore reconsiders Elite theory in the light of more recent studies. He examines the role and significance of Elites in relation to classes and class structure in both advanced industrial and developing countries, and expounds the criticism of Elites and Elitism that have been formulated by democratic and socialist thinkers and movements. In a new concluding chapter, Professor Bottomore considers the prospect, as humanity approaches the...