Political Elites in South Vietnam: A National and Provincial Comparison
Author(s)
Silverman, Jerry Mark
Abstract
Studies the interrelationships between the different elites and the broader social structure of South Vietnam, by comparing the social, educational, political, and occupational background of political leaders at the national and provincial levels. The comparative analysis leans heavily upon an examination of the relationship between the elites and the non-elite remainder of the population. There is no agreement among political scientists as to how to define elitist groups, but for this study all political leaders and candidates for political positions are included: President, Vice-President, cabinet ministers, members of the National Assembly, military officers, and career civil servants. Concludes that among the national and provincial elite there is an almost perfect correlation of social, educational, and occupational profiles, and that this cannot be traced entirely to the selectivity resulting from election laws.
