The Intergenerational Reproduction of Elites

In this chapter, the ways in which elites manage to transfer their resources and positions of privilege to their offspring is reviewed. First, the chapter discusses how this reproduction is relevant because it challenges meritocratic ideals and reduces diversity in elites, while the elites themselves are shaped by the institutions used in their reproduction, which also indicate cohesion and division within elites. Three modes by which elites reproduce their position are introduced: 1) Through family ties 2) Through legitimation by attending prestigious educational institutions and 3) Through skills and networks in organisations key for propelling a career into the elite strata. Lastly, the chapter distinguishes between broader elites such as the one percent or members of elite professions and very exclusive elites who often are counted in hundreds. The chapter reviews key studies of the social reproduction of these groups showing how mechanisms of intergenerational inequality persist even stronger among elite groups than broader social classes.