Elite Circulation Case Study of the Jordanian Parliament

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the range of the parliamentary elite circulation in the Jordanian House of Representatives versus the profession and job characteristics of these elites. In addition, as a part of this study, a comparison between the reign of King Hussein and that of King Abdullah II was conducted, in order to assess their impact on the circulation rate. The goal was to test the study hypothesis that postulated the existence of a positive relationship between the reform transitions that took place in the State, and its impact on the creation of a real structural shifts of parliamentary elites in terms of circulation and the change in their profession and job characteristics. To achieve the purpose of this study, the comparative method, along with the political elite approach, was adopted. The study yielded a number of findings, the most important of which was that the holding of public jobs and positions is the most important component of the parliamentary elite structure. Additionally, the study refuted the hypothesis that it aimed to address, since achieving some reform transitions did not result in bringing about a significant shift in the parliamentary elite structure from the profession and job perspective.