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Social Upheaval and Transformation of Elite Structures: The Case of Finland

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  • Ilkka Ruostetsaari

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how certain important changes in Finnish society in the 1990s altered the national elite structures and affected democracy. We examine how the patterns of recruitment, interaction and cohesiveness among the elites changed in the period 1991–2001. The data for the study were drawn mainly from postal surveys conducted among the elites and a sample of the population in 1991 and 2001. The first research task was to establish how recruitment to various elites has altered in terms of social stratification and education. The second was to analyse changes in patterns of interaction between various elites as far as physical contacts and attitudes were concerned. The third was to study the relationship between the elites and the general population on the basis of attitudinal affinity. The conclusions were based on theoretical models characterising various elite structures and their interconnections with democracy. The concept of a responsive elite is developed on the grounds of the theory of democratic elitism. The changes in the Finnish elite structure have meant a passage towards an inclusive structure compatible with democracy rather than towards an exclusive elite configuration. Finnish elites have become more open and more diverse.

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  • Ilkka Ruostetsaari, 2006. "Social Upheaval and Transformation of Elite Structures: The Case of Finland," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 54(1), pages 23-42, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:polstu:v:54:y:2006:i:1:p:23-42
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2006.00564.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Higley, John & Moore, Gwen, 1981. "Elite Integration in the United States and Australia," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 75(3), pages 581-597, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ilkka Ruostetsaari, 2010. "Changing Regulation and Governance of Finnish Energy Policy Making: New Rules but Old Elites?," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 27(3), pages 273-297, May.
    2. Ruostetsaari, Ilkka, 2009. "Governance and political consumerism in Finnish energy policy-making," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 102-110, January.
    3. Ilkka Ruostetsaari, 2010. "Citizens, Politicians and Experts in Energy Policy-Making: The Case of Finland," Energy & Environment, , vol. 21(3), pages 203-222, July.

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