The organised mass: Mosca’s categorisation calls into question the ruling class

Angela Mahapatra

The mass has been accused of being passive and disorganised as a group, which limits their ability to lead.  Mosca, an elite theorist, has stressed the majority's lack of organising abilities, allowing the strong, powerful, economically boosted, and, finally, the organised minority, the 'elites,' to reign.  This hasty assumption about the governing class is not appropriate for decolonised countries like India.

Elite, a forgotten past

India has experienced nearly half a century of monopolistic governance by the Indian National Congress. Throughout this extensive period, the Congress has transformed from a catch-all nationalist party into a secular organisation. The elite of that era were once activists themselves. The ruling minority, the British Raj, was overthrown by the Indian National Congress. The current government is led by representatives of the “common man.” The transition of power from the “raja” to its “praja” was a lengthy process.

Why is it so simple for the state's elites to govern?  The authority in politics?  The financial support?  - Yes, all of these things combined with societal and cultural acceptability.  The unquestionable trust that everything is great, that there is no other option, that there is no reason to expect more, and finally, that it will last for survival is all bolstered by this social acceptance of the ruling minority.

As time goes on, the decline of trust and political instability among the elite gives way to the emergence of the ordinary individual.

Organisational skills, a gift to the masses

It is often claimed that the masses lack organisational skills, but in truth, they are at their strongest when they come together.

Marxist theorists have carefully articulated how working-class individuals will band together to resist exploitation by the capitalist class. Likewise, during the struggle for independence, the oppressed, mistreated, and colonised populations fought collectively for their freedom. Shared experiences of suffering, the challenges of poverty, and the burden of forced servitude fostered a sense of unity among the diverse individuals within a nation. This is what has brought the masses together.

The masses possess superior organisational abilities compared to the elites, stemming from their psychological bond of equality.

Is Mass the new class?

Democracy as a concept allows everyone the opportunity to select a leader or to become one themselves. Mosca’s categorisation of the ruling class fails to recognise the democratic principles of governance. As a concept, democracy empowers the removal of authoritarian elite control supported by the military, business sectors, and bureaucrats. Democracy serves as a motivation for all those traditional ruling ideologies that silence the voices of the populace. The events of World War I illustrated this, beginning with the emergence of Serbian nationalism that led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The relationship between the ruling system is determined by the majority. The masses are emerging as a new class, resonating more with their fellow citizens; this feeling of representation fosters the advancement of the masses. However, the elite are not content merely to act as elected leaders. Instances such as military coups, state emergencies, and presidential rule illustrate how the elite seek to disrupt the unity of the masses. Government forces attempt to fragment the solidarity of the populace. Upon closer inspection, it is evident that the citizens are the true holders of authority and the ones seeking power.

Ultimately, nothing exists outside of the majority's approval and recognition.

The perception of the elite as superior, coupled with their condescension towards the majority, promotes solidarity among the people. By viewing themselves as the exclusive benefactor and protector of the populace, they contribute to dismantling the elite's dominance and empowering ordinary individuals.

Common man, an underdog: अब राजा का बेटा राजा नहीं बनेगा!!

Encircled by countries grappling with political turmoil, military coups, civil conflicts, and autocratic governance, India stands strong as the democratic master of Asia. Emerging from a lengthy period dominated by a single political party and precariousness in the governance, the ascent of the Bharatiya Janata Party symbolises the empowerment of the ordinary citizen.

Currently, the world views India as a nation governed by the common man, for the common man, and of the common man. Since its inception, India has experienced changes in governance. Oppression has played a significant role in shifting power dynamics in this land.

Violence has been a crucial element in bringing the masses together throughout different historical periods. The quest for freedom has served as a rallying cry for an end to suffering, as Franz Fanon also advocates for violence after a certain threshold of endurance is reached in order to regain peace, stability, and emancipation. Violence presents a contradiction, as both the elite and the masses engage in it similarly. The elite wield violence to fracture the solidarity of the masses, while the masses resort to violence to fortify their cohesion. In modern times, violence has become an inherent aspect of any rebellion.

Unfortunately, the state of every democratic country is significantly troubled, as the ‘common man’ also exhibits certain elitist characteristics, which enhance their organisational abilities that serve as a link between those in power and the power givers.

 

@ The author is an independent researcher.