The myth of ´elites big achievers`and their role in German society
- From Xhulia Likaj
- Reading duration 2 min
In a recent extensive interview, elite researcher and sociologist Michael Hartmann, highlights the significant influence wielded by the elite in Germany. Once again, he challenges the enduring myth of ´elites big achievers`. Indeed today, more than ever, about 80 percent of the wealthiest 100 Germans have attained their wealth not through merit, but through inheritance.
In his last book “The Detached: How the Elites Endanger Democracy” (Die Abgehobenen: Wie die Eliten die Demokratie gefährden) Hartmann examines the role of elites in modern democracies, particularly in Germany.
He argues that a significant portion of the elite in Germany has become detached from broader society, forming a privileged class that is disconnected from the everyday experiences and concerns of the majority of citizens. This detachment undermines the democratic principles of representation and accountability. The sociologist suggests that this detached elite resembles a new aristocracy, characterized by wealth, influence, and access to power, and analyzes the ways in which elite individuals and groups wield political influence, shaping policy decisions, and governance structures .
The researcher addresses the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the rest of society, emphasizing how economic inequality perpetuates social stratification and undermines the democratic roots of our society. He warns that the detachment of the elite and their concentration of power pose significant threats to democracy, as they may prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the broader population, leading to a erosion of trust in democratic institutions and processes. In this regard, the sociologist draws a clear connection between the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and the policies of the past decades, which were primarily shaped by the political and economic elites. The decisions made by the elite are heavily shaped by their own life experiences, and all of them fall within the top one percent of income earners. Their decisions consistently prioritize high incomes and wealth, with greater benefits accruing to those at the highest echelons. This trend disadvantages those with lower incomes, contributing to a sense of disconnect where many feel left behind. This sentiment tends to fuel the shift towards right-wing ideologies among many AfD voters.
Watch the full interview here.