Power, Elites, and Populism. What You Need to Know to Study Elites in Contemporary Societies

<p>Who holds power in society, and how does that power shape political and social developments? This course introduces key theories of elites and explores their role in contemporary society.</p><p>The course is based on theories that describe how power and resources can become concentrated among smaller groups in society. You will explore how different elite groups influence social development and the role they play in current issues such as climate change, social inequality, and political polarization. </p><p>During the course, you will become familiar with key elite theorists and different perspectives on elites. You will also study populism and examine how populist movements challenge established power groups. </p><p>Through examples from research and contemporary society, you will gain insight into how elite groups are formed, how they interact with one another, and how they influence social processes. The course also highlights the relationship between elites, social inequalities, and democratic decision-making. </p>