Offering insightful anthropological-historical contributions to the understanding of elites worldwide, this book helps us grasp their ways of life and role in times of contested global inequalities. Case studies include the Polish gentry, the white former colonial elite of Mauritius, professional elites, and transnational (financial) elites.
"Popular insurgency around the world has recently put the power of elites in the limelight. This fascinating collection of case studies reveals their insecurity as well as the strength that others often project onto them. Of special interest is the contrast between global financial elites, floating above national laws with impunity and more traditional elites embedded in local society." Keith Hart, codirector, Human Economy Program, University of Pretoria Co-Director Human Economy Program
"It is increasingly obvious that anthropological approaches substantially enrich the study of elites. This fine collection of essays contributes further to this trend both from a comparative and analytical standpoint." - Jean-Pascal Daloz, Research Professor, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg
"It is increasingly obvious that anthropological approaches substantially enrich the study of elites. This fine collection of essays contributes further to this trend both from a comparative and analytical standpoint." - Jean-Pascal Daloz, Research Professor, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg