Theories of Elite Power

Theories of elite power explore who truly holds influence in society. The elite theory suggests that a small, interconnected group—such as wealthy or powerful individuals—dominates key decisions and institutions, regardless of democratic processes. Conversely, pluralist theory argues that power is distributed among many groups, with no single elite controlling all. These perspectives help explain how societal influence operates—either through a concentrated few or a more fragmented, competitive landscape—allowing us to understand dynamics behind policy-making, resource control, and social hierarchy.