Local Elites in Western Democracies

Much insightful scholarship has been devoted to the elaboration of the nature and functions of elites in modern societies. The theories and paradigms which have emerged have evoked both strong support as well as considerable criticism. Testing this conception of the role of elites is a primary goal of the analysis presented here. We investigate in great detail in these three democratic systems the level of elites' concern for their problems, their sense of responsibility (and power) to act, thei