Books like The revolt of the elites and the betrayal of democracy by Christopher Lasch


In “The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy” Christopher Lasch offers a penetrating, historically grounded critique of the values and beliefs that underpin today’s American professional and managerial elites. He contends that these elites, increasingly mobile and globally oriented, reject national limits and the ties that bind citizens together. By withdrawing into secluded networks, they abandon the middle class, deepen social divisions, and betray the democratic ideal of a citizenry united in common purpose. Lasch traces the evolution of meritocracy—from an earlier democratic emphasis on competence and widespread respect to a contemporary system that selectively elevates a narrow elite. He sharpens his criticism of contemporary cultural trends such as the pursuit of self‑esteem for its own sake and the perceived radicalism of the academic left, arguing that these trends mask deeper social maladies. Through this historical lens, Lasch explains the growing apathy among Americans toward shared culture and civic engagement, suggesting that the erosion of democratic values begins with the elite’s detachment and self‑interest.
First publish date: 1995
Genre: Politics & Government/Political Theory
Authors: Christopher Lasch
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The revolt of the elites and the betrayal of democracy by Christopher Lasch

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