ABSTRACT
Many writers have referred to the symbolic functions of elites. Maurice Halbwachs speaks of “the whole society” as being “concentrated in the emperor” or “certain individuals,” arousing in others “faith in the Church, family feeling in the domestic group, political conviction in the parties.” The symbolic importance of elites is often referred to but generally this is taken to mean their role as moral arbiters or as representatives of traditions. The symbolic cognitive role of strategic elites provides an authoritative frame of reference for the members of society and thus helps them interpret deeds and events affecting them. Members of the society have a great deal at stake in the emotional and symbolic investment, and miscalculations and errors are not readily excused. In addition to instrumental and moral differentiation among strategic elites, there is an important symbolic differentiation. The analysis of strategic elites requires not only an examination of their functional roles, and their expressive and instrumental activities.
