Sociology / Unit 5 Soc 0645 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Iron Law of Oligarchy
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The idea
Michels's iron law of oligarchy holds that any large organization, however democratic its aims, tends over time to concentrate power in a small leadership.
In practice
A member-run association ends up governed by the few who understand its procedures.
Where people slip
The claim is a strong tendency, and calling it a law overstates the evidence.
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