Elites and Non-elites in Ancient India and Classical Athens: A General Model

• In Event: 224 - Regular Session. Comparative Sociology: Audacious Comparisons

Abstract

A general model of the patterns of conflict and cooperation between different types of elites and between elites and non-elites is outlined. It is then used to organize the data about ancient India and Classical Athens. These two cases are used because they are usually seen as dramatically different polar cases, the first characterized by the varna scheme and caste system, and the second by popular democracy. This helps to demonstrate the generality and utility of the model as a way to begin comparative and historical analyses in a way that is theoretically guided, but does not impose a philosophy of history and is sensitive to historical and cultural difference.

Author

• Murray Milner, University of Virginia