Theoretical Perspectives(2) : Pareto: Circulation of Elites 

1_ Pareto:
    Vilfredo Pareto (1848 – 1923) was an Italian engineer, Economist, Scientist, Sociologist and Philosopher. Trained in engineering, Pareto applied mathematical tools for economic analyses. He is chiefly known for his influential theory of ruling elites and for his equally influential theory that political behavior is essentially irrational.
2_ Circulation of elites :
   Pareto has presented the concept of elites and has particularly the administrative elites. According to Pareto, men are not equal; they differ among themselves in regard to their capacities and abilities. Every sphere of social activity there is a class of superior persons known as elite which literally means superior. 
3_ Types Of Elites :
   Pareto distinguished two types of elites:
1_ Governing elites – Persons who are directly or indirectly concerned with administration. These persons play highly important role and enjoy prestigious place in society
2_ Non –Governing elites - Persons who are not connected with administration but occupy such a place in society that they somehow influence the administration.
    Major change in society occurs when one elite replaces another,a process Pareto calls the ‘Circulation of elites’. All elites tend to become decadent. They ‘decay in quality’ and lose their ‘vigour’. They may become soft and ineffective with the pleasures of easy living and privileges of power, or set in their ways and too inflexible to respond to changing circumstances.
    Each type of elite lacks the qualities of its counterpart, qualities which in the long run are essential to maintain power.