Research Methods for Elite Studies (Hardcover)

George Moyser

ISBN 10: 1041065825 / ISBN 13: 9781041065821

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 2025

About this Item

Hardcover. Elites are crucial groups of people in all but the very simplest societies. Whether one is concerned with politics and government, the economy, or the wider culture and structure of society, they are the people who occupy the central positions of influence that, in turn, enable them to help shape the character and direction of the whole society.But who exactly are they, and how does one study them? In sharp contrast to the ordinary citizenry, the methodology for the study of elites was contentious and under-developed at the time. Originally published in 1987, Research Methods for Elite Studies provided a wide-ranging survey of the techniques, problems, issues and practicalities of elite research. These are explored through case studies conducted by a range of experts, all personally involved in the field of elite research about which they write. Methodology here is not divorced from substance, but vividly set in its context by the researchers.Research Methods for Elite Studies is directed to all social scientists who seek to understand the working of the powerful in society. In particular, those concerned with political power, with the functioning of social and political institutions, with economic enterprises, and above all with the diverse variety of leaders in society, will find the volume essential reading. Elites are crucial groups of people in all but the very simplest societies. But who exactly are they, and how does one study them? Originally published in 1987, Research Methods for Elite Studies provided a wide-ranging survey of the techniques, problems, issues and practicalities of elite research. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781041065821

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Research Methods for Elite Studies (Hardcover)
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, London
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1041065825
• ISBN 13: 9781041065821
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Elites are crucial groups of people in all but the very simplest societies. Whether one is concerned with politics and government, the economy, or the wider culture and structure of society, they are the people who occupy the central positions of influence that, in turn, enable them to help shape the character and direction of the whole society.

But who exactly are they, and how does one study them? In sharp contrast to the ordinary citizenry, the methodology for the study of elites was contentious and under-developed at the time. Originally published in 1987, Research Methods for Elite Studies provided a wide-ranging survey of the techniques, problems, issues and practicalities of elite research. These are explored through case studies conducted by a range of experts, all personally involved in the field of elite research about which they write. Methodology here is not divorced from substance, but vividly set in its context by the researchers.

Research Methods for Elite Studies is directed to all social scientists who seek to understand the working of the powerful in society. In particular, those concerned with political power, with the functioning of social and political institutions, with economic enterprises, and above all with the diverse variety of leaders in society, will find the volume essential reading.

About the Author

Dr. George Moyser is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Vermont. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Michigan. He has served as Research Director on several funded projects in the fields of political participation and religion and politics. He has published several books and numerous articles in professional journals.

Margaret Wagstaffe was, at the time of original publication, a Research Associate in the Department of Government at the University of Manchester.