The Functional Differentiation of Elites in the Kibbutz

A process of differentiation in the social structure of the communal settlements of Israel (kibbutz) is related to functional differentiation of elites. Expert, managerial, social, and cultural elites emerge. The differentiation first takes place of the role level and later on the personnel level. The processes of differentiation follow predictable lines suggested by parsons. Once differentiated, a hierarchy of elites tends to develop in which specialized elites are at the bottom, dual elites at the middle level, and collectivity oriented elites at the top.