Beyond the Ruling Class

Influential minorities have existed in some form in all human societies. Throughout history such elites have evoked varied responses--respeet. hos-tility fear. envy imitation but never indifference. While certain elite groups have been of only passing historical importance strategic elites whose mem-bers are national and international leaders today are ultimately responsible for the realization of social goals and for the continuity of the social order in a swiftly changing world.