Question

According to C. Wright Mills, what groups constitute the power elite? Have these groups changed over time? Explain

Answer 1

According to C.Wright Mills's theory of power-elite, the groups that constitute the power elite are the federal government which includes the president and the cabinet ministers, corporations which include the CEOs and directors of big companies and institutions, and the military heads. These groups are closely knit and share the same interests. The people in these top positions are considered elite because they are the decision-makers of the country. They hold the highest position in terms of socioeconomic status. Their decisions influence the entire population. The enormous wealth and the power that comes along with it resides within this small group of people who are more often than not morally corrupt. They usually serve each other rather than serving the people by helping each other achieve their personal goals. The masses are mostly ignorant and less informed about the tactics these groups use to stay in power.

C. Wright Mills introduced this concept in his 1956 book "The Power Elite". Not much has changed over time. These groups still dominate the social, political, and economic institutions of our world.