Fragmentation of the Inner Circle of Power: Circulation between the Finnish Elites in 1991-2021

The study outlines the changes that have taken place in the Finnish elite structure regarding elite circulation from 1991 to 2021. The study first explores the changes in the openness of the elite structure by analysing vertical circulation (i.e. maintenance and accumulation of elite positions), and second, in the coherence of the elite structure by analysing changes in horizontal circulation, (i.e. mobility between the elites).

In terms of methodology and data, the study was based on the positional approach, where the elite members were identified on the grounds of previous studies and public documents as individuals who held the highest ranking positions of influential organisations within seven sectors of society. The findings were interpreted in the light of elite structure typology.

As regards vertical elite circulation from 1991 to 2021, the maintenance of elite positions and the accumulation elite positions among same individuals decreased. Concurrently, the horizontal elite circulation reduced as a result of decreased mobility of individuals between various elites. Consequently, the elite structure moved slightly towards a fragmented elite structure type since the early 1990s.