The term “elitist” carries significant weight, often laden with negative connotations. But what truly lies beneath the surface? What Makes A Person An Elitist isn’t always about wealth or status, but rather a complex interplay of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that set individuals apart, often creating a perceived (or real) sense of superiority.
The Core Components of Elitist Behavior
At its heart, elitism is the belief that a select group of individuals – whether defined by intellect, wealth, social standing, talent, or some other criteria – are inherently superior to the rest of society. This belief can manifest in a variety of ways, some subtle and others more overt. Importantly, it’s not simply about possessing advantages, but about how those advantages are perceived and utilized in relation to others. Elitists often demonstrate a sense of entitlement, believing they deserve preferential treatment or opportunities simply by virtue of their belonging to this “elite” group. This can translate into a dismissal of the experiences and perspectives of those they deem less worthy.
This sense of superiority can be fueled by various factors. A high level of education, for instance, might lead someone to believe that they possess superior reasoning skills or a more nuanced understanding of the world. However, knowledge without humility can breed arrogance. Similarly, great wealth might create a sense of detachment from the struggles of ordinary people, leading to a lack of empathy. The key differentiator is that an elitist takes pride in their advantages, not for the work they put in, but for who they believe it makes them. Here are a few examples of things that can fuel elitist behavior:
- Education: A belief that higher education automatically equates to superior intellect.
- Wealth: The assumption that financial success makes one’s opinions more valid.
- Social Connections: Leveraging influential relationships to gain advantages over others.
Ultimately, elitism can create a sense of social division and inequality. When individuals are consistently treated as inferior or their contributions are devalued, it breeds resentment and distrust. Elitism, in its more toxic forms, actively works to exclude and diminish the contributions of people outside of the “elite”. It is important to recognize that this can happen at all levels of society, not just among the ultra-wealthy. The belief in a meritocracy is often used to justify elitist beliefs but can be misleading.
The Role of Privilege
Privilege, often intertwined with elitism, plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s perspective and opportunities. Those born into privileged backgrounds often benefit from advantages that are not readily available to others, such as access to better education, healthcare, and social networks. The key is to be aware of your own advantages and not to weaponize them against those who have less privilege. However, it’s not the existence of privilege itself that defines an elitist, but rather the way in which that privilege is acknowledged (or ignored) and utilized. Here’s an example table showing how privilege can be interpreted by someone who is, and is not, an elitist:
| Scenario | Elitist Perspective | Non-Elitist Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving an internship through a family connection | “I deserved it because of my potential and family’s connections” | “I am grateful for the opportunity and will work hard to prove myself, acknowledging my advantage.” |
Individuals who are unaware of their privilege or who actively deny its impact are more likely to exhibit elitist behaviors. This denial often stems from a belief that their success is solely the result of their own hard work and talent, without acknowledging the systemic advantages they have benefited from. This perspective can lead to a dismissive attitude toward the challenges faced by those who lack similar opportunities. Elitism also involves using exclusive language, humor, or references to signal belonging to an “in-group” and excluding those who are not familiar with the codes. This behavior reinforces social hierarchies and creates a sense of otherness.
To delve deeper into the concepts discussed in this article, I suggest referring to the article I wrote previously called “Understanding Social Hierarchies”. It offers additional information on the intricate dynamics of elitism and its impact on social structures.