Protégés of power: Patrimonialism in mobility narratives of the Danish power elite

Christoph Houman Ellersgaard*, Anton Grau Larsen, Morten Fischer Sivertsen, Anne Nørgaard Christensen, Jacob Aagaard Lunding

*Corresponding author

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Career narratives among the Danish power elite often include the facilitating presence of an elite superior. We explore the role patrons play in the mobility narratives of the Danish power elite. Drawing from a highly select group identified in the core of elite networks, we interviewed 37 individuals selected for maximal variation in career paths, networks and positions within the power elite. We referenced the concept of patrimonialism to understand the relations between patrons and protégés in building an elite career and develop a typology identifying three kinds of patrimonial relations described by elites, intra-organizational relations to mentors and patriarchs and inter-organizational relations to sponsors. We then empirically explore the three types of patrimonial relations. Finally, we argue that each of these patrimonial relations reinforce elite cohesion, even in the supposedly critical case of good governance in Denmark. Hence, patrimonial relations present a crucial perspective for understanding contemporary power structures.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftSocio-Economic Review
Vol/bind22
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)29-60
Antal sider32
ISSN1475-1461
DOI
StatusUdgivet - jan. 2024

Emneord

  • elites
  • leadership
  • Scandinavia
  • social capital
  • social networks

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