How the elites are jeopardising democracy
Michael Hartmann was Professor of Sociology at TU Darmstadt until 2014. He specialises in elite research. Hartmann is in favour of the theory that origin is a decisive factor in success. He has published several books on the subject of elites with Campus, including his latest book „Die Abgehobenen. How the elites are undermining democracy“.
Moderation Robert Misik, Author and journalist
The elites are increasingly becoming a closed society. This applies not only to the business elite, but increasingly also to the political elite. Their lives and those of the population have been drifting apart for decades. They believe that their own rules apply to them and produce one tax and financial scandal after another. Renowned elite researcher Michael Hartmann names the consequences: Disenchantment with politics and right-wing populism.
Some rail against "those at the top", others against elite bashing. But it is worth taking a closer look:
- Who are the elites?
- How do they renew themselves?
- How are their attitudes and their origins connected?
Hartmann's findings: the elites are an aloof self-recruiting organisation that is undermining democracy. A turnaround is only possible through a radical social opening of the political elite.