Patronage, Elites and Power Relations, 2021-2022

This project explored systems of patronage within civil society and the connections between civil society, civic stratification and elite formation. It considered the origins and destinations of patrons in civil society organisations and institutions, as well as the significance of different educational institutions and occupational profiles in affording privileged access to elite positions within civil society. Interviews were conducted with patrons and trustees from a sample of diverse civil society organisations in Wales, with multiple patrons from each organisation profiled and interviewed.