CHAPTER 9
Structure of Power
ELITE THEORY OF POWER
According to elitist theory, power is concentrated in a small group of people known as elites, implying that ordinary people or the common man are incapable of handling power. It underlines the existence of conflict between ‘the elite’ and ‘the masses’. The Elite Theory tends to divide society into ‘excellent’ and ‘ordinary’ people who are placed in different positions. The elite theory treats this division as somewhat natural and functional. They regard competence and aptitude to be responsible for this division.
Elite theory is a state theory that seeks to describe and explain power dynamics in contemporary society. According to them, power with the masses is a myth. The concept of elites is ...
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