Final Essay And The Basic Argument Of Power Elite Theory (Essay Sample)

Final Essay
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Introduction
Drafted in 1956 by sociologist Wright Mills, power elite theory profoundly examines the role powerful people in the society are intertwined with ordinary citizens. This essay will explain the basic argument that power elite theory makes by providing specific, concrete, real-world illustrations of the debate.
The basic argument of power elite theory
In the book, Mills provides a strong case regarding the people that control significant decisions of the American nation and the world at large. He further argues that power elite comprise a small fraction of the society and it primarily includes the corporate and the small elites. Corporate elite comprises delegates and executives from huge multinational companies and senior officers in the military while the small elite is made up of the head of state, his or her top representatives together with other legislative branches of the government (Mizruchi, 2017). Mills further argues that despite the small percentage of power elites' in the society, the vast power they have overrides those of the ordinary citizens and affect the lives of regular citizens. Power elites are the ones who control approximately more than half of primary sectors. Such include industrial, banking sector, transport economy including land, air and sea transport together with more than 50% of university endowments (Hartmann, 2018). A close association of the different power elite groups is a factor that aids interpersonal connections between the various hierarchies. A considerable number of power elites were born from wealthy families, and they continue with the lineage. For instance, former U.S president George Bush was born from a wealthy family line which acquired wealth from oil mining. Also, current U.S president Donald Trump is power elite as he was born from a wealthy family.
Mill expounds on power elites by providing a clear description of their characteristics. He notes that they are individuals with a unique common belief in the free market economy. Power elites believe in the responsibility of the state in ensuring that there is a positive business working environment but not in guaranteeing equality on how business is conducted. Besides, this belief of a free market aids them in acquiring massive amounts of private property, immense wealth accumulations in different sectors and the ability to control any industry an elite power member desires. Besides, power elites have been raised with doctrines of similar ideology. Hence, they share the same principles. They might have attended good schools and live in secluded expensive private areas. For instance, in the U.S, a majority of powerful peoples’ families have secluded themselves and reside in Beverly Hills. Such include Molly Ringwald, John Lennon, Marlon Brandon, Roman Polanski and Joan Fontaine families among others.
Mills als...