SOCA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Totalitarianism, Nomic, Elite Theory
Document Summary
Pluralist theory: holds that power is widely dispersed. As a result, no group enjoys disproportionate influence, and decisions are usually reached through negotiation and compromise. Elite theory: holds that small groups occupying the command posts of the most influential institutions make important decisions that profoundly affect all members of society moreover they do so without much regard for elections or public opinion. Powerful groups exercise far more control over political life than less powerful groups. C. wright mills defined elites as small groups that occupy the command posts of a society"s most influential institutions. Mills showed the connections among the corporate state and military elites. Mills denied that these connections turn the three elites into what marx called a ruling class. Ruling class: a self conscious and cohesive group of people, led by big corporate shareholders who act to shore up capitalism. Mills three elites relatively independent of one another.
