Antielitaire

Antielitaire is an adjective used in French-language discourse to describe attitudes, policies, or movements that oppose elite rule or the perceived dominance of a narrow, privileged group. The term combines anti- and élitaire (elite). It is not a formal political ideology with a single platform; rather, it characterizes a stance that foregrounds broad participation, horizontal organization, and egalitarian access to political and cultural influence.

In practice, antielitaire rhetoric appears in discussions about political reform, economic power, media, and culture, where critics accuse elites of technocratic decision-making, detachment from ordinary citizens, or inequality of opportunity. Proponents often advocate decentralization, participatory democracy, and policy designs that increase accountability and accessibility.

Relation to other currents: antielitaire sentiment overlaps with populist, egalitarian, or anti-establishment currents, though it is not synonymous with any single movement. It can be employed across the political spectrum, from left to right, whenever elites are portrayed as out of touch or self-serving. Formal doctrines bearing the name are rare, but the term appears in political analysis, sociological discussions of elites, and activist discourse.

Criticisms: Critics argue that anti-elitist rhetoric can discard expertise, oversimplify governance, or conflate legitimate elite collaboration with elitism. Additionally, focusing solely on elites may neglect systemic factors and can overlook internal hierarchies within grassroots movements.

See also: elitism, anti-establishment, populism, participatory democracy, egalitarianism.