Robert Michels reconsidered. Is there an Iron Law of Oligarchy?

By: Konrad, Maximilian

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Politics - International Politics - General and Theories, grade: distinction, London School of Economics (European Institute), language: English, abstract: This paper critically assesses Robert Michels' famous "Iron Law of Oligarchy". After a summary of Robert Michels' argument, it challenges his assumption that this law of oligarchy is "iron" by giving counter-examples for egalitarian societies in Africa. As these egalitarian societies come along with serious disadvantages, the Athenian model of democracy by lot is presented as a more viable alternative to the law of oligarchy. The conclusion applies this model of democracy by lot to Robert Michels' starting point: the political party. Yes, there is a law of oligarchy. But this law of oligarchy is not "iron", it is man-made. By calling it "iron" Robert Michels commits the cardinal fault of the bourgeois social scientist: he reifies and naturalizes societal processes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3346059383
• ISBN13: 9783346059383
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Grin Verlag
• Length: 16 Pages
• Weight: 0.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.0" x 5.5" x 8.5"