Peter Munk Christiansen is Professor and Head of Department at the Department of Political Science, Aarhus University.
Abstract:
Circulation into and across elite positions is a crucial aspect of elite dominance in modern democracies. This paper argues that there are limits to elite circulation due to varying recruitment criteria and reputational costs across different elite groups. We examine similarity in career trajectories and circulation across elite groups by mapping the full career of MPs, ministers, top- bureaucrats and interest group leaders in Denmark. By studying steps toward current positions in the political elite, we demonstrate that the career trajectories are relatively distinct for each elite group and that only three percent of the holders of current elite positions have previously held an elite position in another sector. In contrast to other studies, our results suggests that for the Danish political elite the shudders between elite sectors are relatively closed and only few move through revolving doors limiting the concerns regarding elite exclusiveness and mutual interconnectedness in modern democracies.