The Power Elite. By C. Wright Mills

The Power Elite . By C . Wright Mills

The Power Elite written by C . Wright Mills in the year 1956 is a statement , consisting mostly of evaluation and critique , on how the organization of America has evolved . Specifically , Wright discusses on how the three key players of America 's society has intermingled and entwined thereby forming the power of elite . Accordingly , the power of elite comprises of the military , corporate and political society However , of the three , the author had never made a statement as to its hierarchy

Before going further , it

is important to know what is power elite ' as described by the author . The power elite , according to the book , are people who are in command of privilege and almost holding all of the affluence , who themselves , rotates , having their own chance to hold high position in the society , whether in politics , military or economy

At the outset , Wright traces the roots on how these powerful elites was formed . He began by examining the base of the system that is the regional and local society . His examination reveals that at the beginning , this group of elite power is scattered . Consequently , he goes through the narration showing how these local systems have turned into a national system . It at this point , where Wright has accounted on how the influential and well-off individuals have put up connections of influence , by going through the same elite schools , organizations and clubs , and oftentimes had also attended the same secret functions . In addition thereto , he also presented how the power elites enlist new constituents by means of networking . These involve those individuals who became members of the elite not by his richness or power , but through his skill and or intelligence . Going through the second part , he had relayed persuasively by presenting that the concept of pluralism in America no longer exist and that individualistic is governing the society today , as confirmed by the power that has become gradually more concentrated on a national scale , the power elite

Looking on the way how the book was written , it can be said that it is forcibly argued and skillfully written , employing the use of insightful and brief method . Wright , who is a well known sociologist , was able to write with such vigor and authority , in as much as he was able to comprehend the realities of society . It is can also be said that it is realistic , since pertinent statistics were also incorporated , enabling him to present the scenario clearly . As a result , even if the book was written a long time ago , many of the points and observations it wishes to convey may still be perceived presently . An obvious illustration of a person who may belong to the power elite are Colin Powell and Dick Cheney . The former once served the military department of America , who after retiring has smoothly entered the political world , appointed as the Secretary of State . While the latter has shifted from politics as member of the Congress and Secretary...