In sociology as in general usage, the élite is a relatively small dominant group within a large society, which enjoys a privileged status envied by individuals of lower social status.

The position of an elite at the top of the social strata almost invariably puts it in a position of leadership and often subjects the holders of elite status to pressure to maintain their position as part of the elite. However, in spite of the pressures, the existence of the elite social stratum is usually unchanged.

Elite advantages are the usual ones of a dominant social class: easier access to capital and political power, more rigorous education largely free of indoctrination, resulting in cultural influence and leadership.

Social, Religious, Educational, Physical, Economic, and Militarily

Elitism is the belief or attitude that those individuals who are considered members of the elite — a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes — are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern ^[1].

A sysnc portrayal of how elite vs elitism is offered on the Fein Line blog; sample of it follows:

People need to learn the difference between elitist and elite. Elite means “the choice or best of anything”. We should demand that only the elite lead us. We celebrate the elite in almost every walk of life — sports, business, entertainment. But, somehow, we seem to be skeptical of the elite in leading us because we think that they aren’t like us.

Elitist means someone who believes “certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority”. Elitists feel a sense of entitlement, perhaps because of their intelligence. I agree that someone who believes they are so entitled may not make a good leader, but you can’t spot them because they have a large vocabulary or prefer to eat nicer foods.

 

I actually think that none of McCain, Palin, Obama, or Biden are truly elitists. Each of them has faced real challenges in their lives that I am sure they have not forgotten. McCain is certainly the wealthiest, if you want to use that as a proxy for elitist, but I don’t. I’m going to guess that Palin is the least wealthy, while Biden is often cited as the least wealthy US Senator. Each of them have plenty of experiences which keeps them in touch and appreciative of ‘the rest of us’.

My overall point is that people are using intelligence (well educated, large vocabulary, etc.) and wealth as proxies for elitism. Instead, I think you need to look at the policies proposed and their impact on the broad population. Those who care the most about the people at the bottom are least likely to be elitist, in my opinion.

Elite in one field does not mean elite in general. Sports elite doesn’t qualify for entertainment elite, business elite does not qualify for sports elite, entertainment elite does not qualify for business elite, and so on.

In Elite and Leadership Change in Liberal Democracies by John Higley & Jan Pakulski write that

 tiny groups of strategic position-holders with the organized capacity to affect political outcomes regularly and substantially.

leaders act within the norms and structures of elite politics, some of which allow leaders wide latitude while others tightly constrain them.

Beyond looseor tight norms, leaders must contend with elite structures that may be quite concentrated or fragmented.  A fair amount of research shows that in liberal democracies elite structures consist of extended circles and networks of political influence and personal acquaintance that tie together several thousand of the uppermost figures in politics, government administration, business, trade unions, the media, a bevy of interest groups, and so.  Such complex and far-flung elite webworks usually stifle a leader’s single-minded pursuit of his or her political aims.