In recent years, we have witnessed a significant shift in the dynamics of elite power globally. This trend is particularly evident in the context of Donald Trump’s ongoing conflict with elite universities in the United States, such as Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton. While these institutions are cornerstones of American economic strength, attracting top talent worldwide, their perceived elitism has fueled controversies and debates.
A recent poll conducted by the National Opinion Research Center and the Associated Press indicates a surprising sentiment among Americans regarding this issue. It revealed that only 45% of the populace opposed Trump’s intentions to cut funding for Ivy League universities that continue to embrace minority inclusion programs. Among Republican voters, the opposition was even lower, with just 22% expressing disagreement with Trump’s stance. This division highlights a growing resentment towards institutions associated with the elite, a sentiment not confined to the United States.
This anti-elite emotion extends into Latin America, where preference for democratic governance has been waning. According to Latinobarómetro surveys, the percentage of people choosing democracy over other governmental forms dropped from 65% in 1998 to 52% in 2024. This shift echoes similar trends in Europe, where far-right political movements are gaining traction by vehemently opposing “globalist” elites, even as they overlook domestic elites.
The underlying reasons for this increasing discontent are complex, but they likely stem from both deteriorating conditions for those at the bottom of the economic spectrum and an increasingly detached elite. Rising rents have drastically undermined the purchasing power and living standards of those without inherited wealth or mortgage access. In a recent analysis, sociologist Julián Cárdenas of the University of Valencia stated that the combination of stagnant wages—even in the face of positive corporate growth—has created a society where many struggle to make ends meet. This newfound anti-elite sentiment is broad, encompassing not just disenfranchised middle classes but also working-class individuals who have historically viewed elites as a source of social mobility and stability.
On the flip side, wealth among the elite continues to swell. Recent data from Oxfam reveals that the wealthiest 1% have collectively gained an astonishing $42 trillion over the last decade—amounting to 34 times the combined wealth increase of the lowest 50% of the global population. This disparity is mirrored in wage growth discrepancies; data from the Economic Policy Institute highlights that in 1965, CEOs in the U.S. earned 21 times more than the average worker, but by 2023, that figure ballooned to an astounding 290 times.
Sociologist Aaron Reeves from the London School of Economics notes that this concentration of wealth has created an unmistakable divide. The billionaires of today live in realities vastly different from those of the average person, and they find themselves driven to justify their position to remain socially accepted. Initiatives like promoting self-made images, such as adopting “working-class” personas or sharing humble beginnings, are attempts to bridge this divide.
The expectations placed on elites can vary culturally. In Denmark, for example, the narrative often revolves around hard work as the key to success, while in other nations like the U.K., claims of inherent talent take precedence. These localized norms shape how elites are perceived and how they navigate their relationship with the populace.
The relationship between the elite and the working class is further complicated by notions of meritocracy. As legal scholar Daniel Markovits highlights, the accumulation of wealth among the elite allows them to transition their descendants into lifestyles reminiscent of pre-meritocratic times, where wealth is inherited rather than earned. This raises challenging questions about the future of social mobility and the role of inheritance taxes, particularly in the U.S., where efforts to curtail such taxes may lead to significant shifts in economic power.
A trend emerges: while the conditions for the working class deteriorate, the elite often seem disengaged from the economic challenges faced by ordinary people. Sociologist Mariana Heredia from Argentina illustrates this disconnect well, arguing that decisions made in the 1970s regarding trade and financial deregulation primarily benefited capital holders at the expense of workers worldwide. The modern economy increasingly favors autonomy for capital, often disregarding the labor force that sustains it.
We cannot ignore the interplay of economic elites and politics. Heredia notes that while elites can act directly to safeguard their interests, much of their influence operates subtly through lobbying and framing issues in ways that benefit them. This influence is compounded in the modern era through technology and data, as digital platforms accumulate vast amounts of personal information—transforming the landscape of power in potentially unseen yet profound ways.
Trump’s presidency embodies a broader revolution against traditional elites, a counter-revolution that echoes historical shifts seen in revolutions across Europe and beyond. His administration’s ideas resonate with those feeling disenfranchised, while potentially dismantling structures that have long upheld the existing order. Yet, experts warn of the potential pitfalls inherent in such upheaval, pointing out that merely focusing on dismantling systems without considering constructive alternatives can lead to chaos rather than progress.
The playful irony here lies in the parallels drawn between elites and revolutionaries; both undergo transformations, leaving many to wonder what solutions can emerge from turmoil. The current global landscape reflects an alarming shift towards greater discontent, driven by elites who are increasingly out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the masses.
In conclusion, the growing chasm between the elite and everyday citizens is perhaps the most pressing issue of our time. While economic progress exists, the reality is marked by widening inequalities that fuel discontent across continents. Without significant reform and an effort to bridge this divide, the potential for social and political upheaval will only heighten, suggesting an urgent need for change in how power dynamics operate within our societies.
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