power-elite model

The power-elite model is a sociological analysis of politics based on social-conflict theory that sees power as concentrated along the wealthy. The term "power elite", coined in 1956 by social-conflict theorist C. Wright Mills, is used to represent members of the upper class, who, he argued, control the majority of a society's wealth, power, and prestige. Members of this power elite theoretically control all three major sectors of U.S. society: the economy, government, and the military. The power elite therefore include top officials in state and federal governments, the "super rich", and top ranking officers in the U.S. military. Members of the power elite may cycle between these disciplines in order to gain even more power. Power-elite theory argue that the United States is no longer a democracy as the power and wealth concentrated among the power-elites overwhelms the majority of citizens, leaving them without a voice. Furthermore the power-elite model expresses that power-elites receive little or no opposition in their dominance and therefore in effect have a complete control over society.

Power-elite Model

See also