Education of Future Economic Elites

This interdisciplinary edited collection examines how economic elites—key capital owners, senior corporate managers, entrepreneurs, and other wealthy individuals—are educated and socialized through two critical institutions: families and higher education. Drawing on rich empirical data from various European countries, the book explores the dual role of families and elite schools/universities in shaping the perspectives, actions, and legitimacy of today’s economic power elites. By situating these processes within the context of neoliberalism, the book offers a fresh perspective on how economic elites are made and re-produced, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of power and inequality in contemporary society. Key features of this edited volume include its interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, business and management studies, as well as its dual focus on elite families and elite educational institutions. The contributors, a mix of junior and senior scholars, provide nuanced analyses of how families and schools collectively socialize and consecrate future elites in various national contexts, offering readers a deeper understanding of the interplay between education, socialization, and power. This book also highlights the transformation of educational settings under neoliberalism, making it a critical resource for understanding the broader societal implications of elite formation. The book is ideal for scholars and advanced students in sociology, management, organizational studies, and education, as well as for an informed audience interested in the dynamics of power and privilege. It is particularly relevant for courses on elites, higher education, and management studies. With its timely focus on the reproduction of economic elites and their influence on contemporary society, this book is an essential addition to the growing field of elite studies.