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Sociology / Unit 9   Soc 1518 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Conflict Theory on Government: The Power Elite

Captions available

The idea

C. Wright Mills coined power elite for the interlocked corporate, military, and political-executive leaders who dominate major policy decisions.

In practice

Domhoff traced this elite's cohesion to shared memberships in exclusive clubs and prep schools, links cutting across all three spheres.

Where people slip

The claim concerns a structural pattern across institutions, not an accusation against any single named official.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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