power elite

American  

noun

1. a closely knit alliance of military, government, and corporate officials perceived as the center of wealth and political power in the U.S.

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power elite Cultural  

1. A term used by the American sociologist (see sociology) C. Wright Mills to describe a relatively small, loosely knit group of people who tend to dominate American policymaking. This group includes bureaucratic, corporate, intellectual, military, and government elites who control the principal institutions in the United States and whose opinions and actions influence the decisions of the policymakers.

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Etymology

Origin of power elite

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In “The Power Elite,” one of the most important sociological books of the 20th century, C. Wright Mills wrote that America was ruled by a triangle of unelected elites: wealthy corporate elites allied with top civilian government leaders and the military.

From Salon

Jeff Daniels stars as Charlie Croker, an Atlanta real estate mogul under investigation for gross financial mismanagement, who tries to bargain his way out of trouble by trading favors with the city’s power elite.

From New York Times

The new surveys obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive appear to support claims previously made by plaintiffs in the case that Nike’s problems were connected to the company’s power elite.

From Seattle Times

His books, including the era-defining New Hollywood gossip-fest “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls” and the not-quite-exposé of Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax, “Down and Dirty Pictures,” play like gleefully competitive food fights among Hollywood’s power elite.

From Los Angeles Times

"Some in the Austin power elite — including the media — don't like it."

From Salon

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