Concept
Elitism is the belief or attitude that individuals who form an elite—a select group of people with a certain ancestry, intrinsic quality, high intellect, wealth, or specialized training—are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or authority greater than that of others. This ideology often leads to social stratification and can perpetuate systemic inequalities by prioritizing the interests and perspectives of this elite group over those of the general population.
Relevant Degrees
Concept
Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and status, which leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities. It influences social mobility and perpetuates systemic inequalities, affecting individuals' life chances and societal cohesion.
Concept
Meritocracy is a social system where individuals advance based on their abilities and achievements rather than their social status or connections. It is often seen as a fair and efficient way to allocate resources and opportunities, though it can perpetuate inequality if the initial conditions are not equal for everyone.
Concept
Power dynamics refer to the ways in which power is distributed and exercised within relationships and social structures, influencing interactions and outcomes. Understanding Power dynamics is crucial for analyzing social hierarchies, addressing inequalities, and fostering more equitable systems.
Concept
Concept
Cultural capital refers to the non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means, such as education, intellect, style of speech, dress, or physical appearance. It is a concept developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, highlighting how cultural knowledge and competencies can be a source of power and influence in society.
Concept
Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, often based on characteristics such as class, race, gender, and ethnicity. It can lead to systemic disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic advancement, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.
Concept
An oligarchy is a form of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, elite group, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, or military control. This system can lead to decision-making that prioritizes the interests of the few over the needs of the broader population, potentially resulting in social and economic inequality.
Concept
Hegemony refers to the dominance or leadership of one state or group over others, often exercised through cultural, economic, or political means rather than direct military force. It involves the subtle shaping of norms and values to maintain control, making the dominant power's interests appear universal and beneficial to all.
Concept
Evolutionary Algorithms are optimization techniques inspired by the process of natural selection, where candidate solutions evolve over generations to solve complex problems. They are particularly effective in solving problems with large, complex search spaces where traditional methods may fail or be inefficient.
Concept
A genetic algorithm is an optimization technique inspired by the process of natural selection, which is used to find approximate solutions to complex problems by iteratively improving a set of candidate solutions. It mimics biological evolution through operations such as selection, crossover, and mutation to evolve solutions over generations towards an optimal or satisfactory outcome.
Concept
Superiority is the belief or perception that an individual or group is inherently better than others, often leading to hierarchical social structures and power dynamics. This concept can manifest in various forms, such as racial, cultural, or intellectual superiority, and can perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
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