V. Pareto: Residue and Derivation, Circulation of Elite

Vilfredo Pareto Sociology Notes for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam

Vilfredo Pareto (1848–1923) was an Italian sociologist and economist. He is well known for his theories on Residues and Derivations and the Circulation of Elites. His ideas explain human behavior, power, and leadership change in society.

1. Residues and Derivations

• Pareto believed human actions are mostly non-logical, guided by instincts and sentiments.
• Residues: Deep-rooted, permanent psychological drives (e.g., need for security, loyalty, creativity).
• Derivations: Rationalizations or justifications people give to explain their actions, though the real cause lies in residues.
• Example: A leader may claim “for national security,” but actual residue is desire for power.

2. Circulation of Elites

• Society is always ruled by elites (minority who hold power).
• Two types of elites:
  1. Lions → strong, conservative, rule through force and tradition.
  2. Foxes → cunning, manipulative, rule through diplomacy and cleverness.
• When one type of elite weakens, the other replaces them → this is the circulation of elites.
• This process keeps society dynamic but also shows inequality is permanent.

50 Short Questions with Answers (Tripura TET / PGT Sociology)

1. Q: Who was Vilfredo Pareto?
   A: An Italian sociologist and economist.
2. Q: What is Pareto’s main contribution to sociology?
   A: Theory of Residues & Derivations and Circulation of Elites.
3. Q: What are Residues?
   A: Deep-rooted psychological instincts guiding human behavior.
4. Q: What are Derivations?
   A: Rational explanations or justifications of actions.
5. Q: Which is more fundamental – Residues or Derivations?
   A: Residues.
6. Q: Example of Derivation?
   A: Claiming war is for justice, but real cause is power.
7. Q: Did Pareto think human action is logical or non-logical?
   A: Mostly non-logical.
8. Q: What are the two types of elites?
   A: Lions and Foxes.
9. Q: Who are Lions?
   A: Conservative leaders ruling by force and tradition.
10. Q: Who are Foxes?
    A: Manipulative leaders ruling by cleverness and diplomacy.
11. Q: What is meant by Circulation of Elites?
    A: Replacement of one type of elite by another.
12. Q: What happens when Lions dominate too long?
    A: They become rigid and are replaced by Foxes.
13. Q: What happens when Foxes dominate too long?
    A: They become weak and are replaced by Lions.
14. Q: Does Pareto think society is ever free from elites?
    A: No, elites always rule.
15. Q: What is the main cause of social change according to Pareto?
    A: Circulation of elites.
16. Q: Which concept shows inequality is permanent?
    A: Circulation of Elites.
17. Q: What is the role of Residues in society?
    A: They shape the instincts behind human action.
18. Q: What is the role of Derivations in society?
    A: Provide rational cover for irrational actions.
19. Q: Who emphasized non-logical human action?
    A: Vilfredo Pareto.
20. Q: What is the difference between Residue and Derivation?
    A: Residue = real motive, Derivation = justification.
21. Q: Which type of elite uses force?
    A: Lions.
22. Q: Which type of elite uses manipulation?
    A: Foxes.
23. Q: What maintains social order in Pareto’s theory?
    A: Balance and circulation of elites.
24. Q: Pareto’s elite theory is compared with which other thinker?
    A: Gaetano Mosca.
25. Q: Who controls society according to Pareto?
    A: Elites (minority).
26. Q: Who are the non-elites?
    A: The masses ruled by elites.
27. Q: What does circulation of elites prevent?
    A: Stagnation in society.
28. Q: What happens if circulation stops?
    A: Society may collapse or face revolution.
29. Q: Example of Lion leaders?
    A: Military dictators, traditional kings.
30. Q: Example of Fox leaders?
    A: Diplomats, politicians using persuasion.
31. Q: Which elite type is conservative?
    A: Lions.
32. Q: Which elite type is innovative?
    A: Foxes.
33. Q: Residues are permanent or temporary?
    A: Permanent.
34. Q: Derivations are permanent or variable?
    A: Variable.
35. Q: What is the importance of residues?
    A: They explain the underlying psychology of actions.
36. Q: Who introduced the concept of 80/20 principle?
    A: Pareto (Pareto Principle in economics).
37. Q: Is Pareto more known as an economist or sociologist?
    A: Both, but key contributions in sociology.
38. Q: What is the central idea of elite theory?
    A: Rule by a minority elite is inevitable.
39. Q: What does elite circulation ensure?
    A: Stability with change.
40. Q: Which book discusses elite theory?
    A: “The Mind and Society.”
41. Q: Which elite maintains tradition?
    A: Lions.
42. Q: Which elite promotes flexibility?
    A: Foxes.
43. Q: What is Pareto’s view on democracy?
    A: Even in democracy, elites rule.
44. Q: Residues are linked to psychology or logic?
    A: Psychology.
45. Q: Derivations are linked to justification or instincts?
    A: Justification.
46. Q: What is meant by “non-logical actions”?
    A: Actions driven by instincts, not rational calculation.
47. Q: What drives political change in Pareto’s view?
    A: Circulation of elites.
48. Q: What keeps inequality permanent?
    A: Continuous elite rule.
49. Q: What is the sociology exam relevance of Pareto?
    A: Important for theories of power and leadership.
50. Q: Which exam is this topic important for?
    A: Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam.

Conclusion

Pareto’s ideas of Residues and Derivations and Circulation of Elites highlight the psychological roots of human behavior and the constant rotation of ruling elites. These are crucial topics for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam.

Prepared by Subrata Majumder for STPGT Sociology Success Blog.

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