EDITED What is Aristocracy? Aristocracy is a form of government in which the people are ruled by a small, privileged class of people called aristocrats. Aristocracy, as described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384– 322BCE), is the rule of a few—the morally and intellectually superior—ruling in the best interests of all. Aristocrats usually have a specific honorary title, such as Duke, Duchess, Baron, Baroness, etc. Most often they inherit their positions, through centuries of family lineage aristocratic status from their parents and members of the ruling group have passed on power to their eldest surviving Child. On the other hand, other aristocracies have been nonhereditary and recruited from different strata of the population, such as the upper stratum of the Roman Catholic Church, the ruling aristocracy of elective republics and monarchies, the leaders of scientific and artistic organizations, and certain aristocracies of wealth. History Aristocracy originated from the Greek word “aristokratia” which means “rule by the best,” it’s from the Greek words’ “aristos”, meaning best suited, and “kratos”, meaning power. The term aristocracy may apply not only to a governmental ruling class but also to the highest social class in a given society. Holding honorary titles, such as Duke, Duchess, Baron, or Baroness, members of the aristocratic class enjoy both political powers as well as social and economic prestige. Aristocracy was first conceived in Ancient Greece by the philosopher Aristotle, and aristocracy grew to be the predominant form of governmental power throughout Europe. In these medieval aristocracies, the aristocrats were chosen simply because they were considered to be the best suited to rule and lead their particular community. As societies grew larger and more economically diverse during the late Middle Ages (1300-1650 CE), people began to demand more than mere leadership from their ruling classes. Wherein virtues like bravery, nobility, morality, and civility grew more important than an individual’s social status. Eventually, the power and privilege afforded to the aristocracy became reserved for a few upstanding social leaders and military heroes. Aristocracies dominated political and economic power for most of the medieval and modern periods almost everywhere in Europe, using their wealth and landownership to form a powerful political force. ARISTOCRACY IN THE MIDDLE AGES The landowning nobles of the Middle Ages were the European aristocracy, whose members were favored by fiefs from the king in exchange for war services. Their reputation as nobility was supposed to be hereditary, even though their deeds as armored knights on horseback elevated their prestige. Aristocratic children were raised to be courteous knights and chatelaines, and even aristocrats who went on to become ecclesiastics were taught how to use weapons. The Aristocracy of Medieval Europe comprised illustrious groups of wealthy and powerful noble men and women, an elite class that was second only in rank to the royal families and reigning sovereigns. The realm of aristocracy featured the highest social positions, the upper classes and the superior noble ranks. However, within this prestigious social group, there was a hierarchy of positions and titles with strict definitions, roles and privileges. These positions evolved over the centuries of the Middle Ages and differed slightly across the various countries and kingdoms of medieval Europe. Modern Aristocracy In the 21st century, the traditional aristocratic classes are far less prominent and powerful than in previous centuries. This is partly due to the cultural trends towards democracy, as well as our modern class structures being much less clearly defined and enforced. However, there is still a place for the glamour and intrigue of the higher echelons of the social register. The contemporary heirs of traditional aristocratic lineages may command less authority and relevance than in past times, but in many cases, they still possess some of the old vestiges of exclusivity and refinement. They also updated the roles and reputations, as well as the hereditary properties and incomes. Examples Various historical examples of social aristocracy or nobility include the Brahman caste in India, the Spartiate's in Sparta, the Eupatridae in Athens, the patricians or Optimates in Rome, and the medieval nobility in Europe. The Royal family of the United Kingdom and the Kennedy family of the United States are also both examples of aristocracies. Advantages of Aristocracy This system of governance aspires to place leadership in the hands of highly competent individuals, which is a desirable goal. By dispersing authority among members of a council, it prevents the establishment of a single dictator and since there are fewer leaders involved, the government is more efficient because political deadlocks and disagreements are less likely. In an ideal world, well-intentioned aristocratic leaders can do what is best for the country without being influenced by popular opinion. Disadvantages of Aristocracy Because they are not able to vote, an aristocracy is dominated by a few privileged classes who may or may not reflect the preferences of the wider people. Therefore, countries dominated by an aristocracy are characterized by a lack of civil liberties and privileges, as nobles and their families have complete influence over the government and are free to impose unjust laws. This includes the control over the rights, properties, and even lives of common inhabitants. The hereditary transition of power in an aristocracy sidelines merit has no guarantee of success, i.e., the son of a reputed leader may not be equally talented. Thus, it can also place people of questionable character in power, which can have catastrophic consequences for the state. An aristocracy gives no chance to talented members of the general public to rise up the social order, also such a government may work selfishly for its own interests, by maintaining an economic divide between the rich and the poor, and oppressing the masses to cement their own status.
