The Bronze Law of Oligarchy | History and principles
The Bronze Law of Oligarchy still exists and is observed in many countries. You can find detailed information about the Bronze Law of Oligarchy in the section below.
What is the Bronze Law of Oligarchy?
The Bronze Law of Oligarchy is defined as a legal and social order that arises when society is ruled by a wealthy and powerful minority. This order is a system in which the wealthy and elite hold power, political and economic decisions are made only by the minority, and other individuals are not involved in this process.
The term originated in ancient Greece and dates back to when the military elites ruled in Sparta. Since bronze was one of the weapons used in this period, the name of this concept was called “Bronze Law”. The Bronze Law formed the basis of Sparta’s social, political and military structure.
The Bronze Law of Oligarchy points to a system in which the wealthy hold political and economic power and use this power for their own benefit. Therefore, the bronze law of the oligarchy is against democracy and equality and threatens social justice.
History of the Bronze Law of Oligarchy
The Bronze Law theory of oligarchy was put forward in 1911 by German sociologist Robert Michels in his book “Political Parties”. According to Michels, “The malfunctioning of democracies, the dominance of leaders over the society and organizations are due to the inadequacy of the social and economic development, the low level of education or the means of communication,” said Michels, who said: “It is the organization itself making sure that the elected dominate the electorate and the deputies over the deputies. When you talk about the organization, you talk about the oligarchy.” because of the control of the capitalists.
Michels examined the parties that claimed to be committed to democratic principles and concluded that these organizations were in fact run by an oligarchy. Since the masses in the organization cannot overcome problems such as the size of the organization, the need for expert knowledge to make correct and quick decisions, and the fact that the presidential administration has become a customary law, management is in the hands of the minority , that is, the oligarchic management structure prevails. Michels called the rule of mass democratic organizations by the oligarchy the bronze law of the oligarchy.
Although Michels says that organization means oligarchy, it is inevitable that democracy necessitates organization, because the individual alone is insufficient, but this organization turns into oligarchy. What matters is the structure of this organization. He tried to prove this to the German Social Democratic Party.
Bronze Law Principles of Oligarchy
The bronze law of oligarchy is a system in which society is ruled by the rich and powerful minority. This system follows certain basic principles and the rights of other individuals are violated while preserving the power of the wealthy elite. The main principles of the Bronze Law of Oligarchy are:
exclusivity
Since the bronze law of oligarchy is ruled by an elite minority, the principle of exclusivity is a fundamental principle. This system aims to preserve the power of the rich, elite and powerful.
discrimination
The bronze law of the oligarchy is based on the privileged position of the powerful and the wealthy, excluding other individuals and groups for their own benefit. This situation results in violation of the rights of other individuals and social injustice.
Check
The bronze law of oligarchy is based on the powerful few who have complete control over society. This control means that political, economic and social decisions are made and implemented only by the elite.
Protection
The protection principle is important, as the bronze law of the oligarchy was created to protect the self-interest of the powerful few. This system aims to preserve the power of the wealthy and elite and can compromise the rights of other individuals.
Causes of the Bronze Law of Oligarchy
The Bronze Law of Oligarchy refers to a situation where wealth in society is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of people, and political decisions are made with the power and influence of these people. This concept is often associated with political oligarchies, but there are also economic oligarchies.
The emergence of the bronze law of oligarchy tends to be due to a number of causes. Some of these are:
Concentration of resources
In many societies, most of the wealth is in the hands of a few people. These individuals are often owners or directors of large companies, large landowners or directors of financial institutions. Because these people have more resources than other people in society, they have more power and more political influence.
Political system
It is more likely when the bronze law of oligarchy has a political system that hinders the functioning of democracy. The political system gives priority to the powerful and wealthy minority of the society and ignores the rest. This may include factors such as the electoral system, the financing of political parties and the functioning of the legislative process.
Economic inequality
The bronze law of oligarchy is also linked to increased economic inequality. The wealthier minority uses their economic power to expand their political sphere of influence, and in this case they can manipulate legislation to become even richer.
Media control
Oligarchs have the power to influence public opinion, often by buying or controlling media outlets. In this case, it may be possible to silence, suppress or reduce the voice of those who oppose the ideas of the oligarchs.
What does the bronze law of oligarchy mean?
The Bronze Law of Oligarchy refers to a situation where wealth in society is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of people, and political decisions are made with the power and influence of these people. This concept is often associated with political oligarchies, but there are also economic oligarchies.
What are the reasons for the emergence of the bronze law of oligarchy?
The emergence of the bronze law of oligarchy tends to be due to a number of causes. Some of these include the concentration of resources, the political system, economic inequality, media control, and conflicts of interest.
Is the bronze law of oligarchy compatible with democracy?
The bronze law of the oligarchy contradicts democracy and can hinder the functioning of democracy. The power and influence oligarchies have serve their own interests, not the people’s.