Elitism vs. Pluralism — What's the Difference?

Elitism is the belief or notion that individuals who form an elite—a select group of people perceived as having an intrinsic quality, high intellect, wealth, special skills, or experience—are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or authority greater than that of others. The term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which power is concentrated in the hands of a limited number of people.

The condition of being multiple or plural.

The belief that certain persons or members of certain groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their superiority, as in intelligence, social standing, or wealth.

A condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society.

Behavior arising from or indicative of such a belief.

The belief that such a condition is desirable or socially beneficial.

Control, rule, or domination by the members of an elite.

(Ecclesiastical) The holding by one person of two or more positions or offices, especially two or more ecclesiastical benefices, at the same time.

The belief that a society or system should be run by an elite.

The doctrine that reality is composed of many ultimate substances.

The superior attitude or behaviour associated with an elite.

The belief that no single explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena of life.

The attitude that society should be governed by an elite group of individuals

The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number.

(ecclesiastical) The state of a pluralist; the holding of more than one ecclesiastical living at a time.

(sociology) A social system that permits smaller groups within a society to maintain their individual cultural identities.

(politics) The belief that there should be diverse and competing centers of power in society.

(politics) The acknowledgement of a diversity of political systems.

(law) The existence of differing legal systems in a population or area.

(philosophy) The belief that values can be simultaneously antagonistic and incommensurable.

(philosophy) The belief that a plural predicate refers to its individuals rather than to a collective.

The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number.

The state of a pluralist; the holding of more than one ecclesiastical living at a time.

The doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements