Elite Theory

Elite Theory

Definition: " the generalization that nearly all political power is held by a relatively small and wealthy group of people sharing similar values and interests and mostly coming from relatively similar privileged backgrounds." It examines how the power elite can dictate goals within systems. (Field and Higley, 1980)

Application: This theory is important within social work and community development because it examines PODS. Understanding the privilege power brings to a few elite and how it can be problematic for the larger majority. This power dynamic can be seen on all levels including the community level. 

Adaptation: A key example of elite theory is within the American economic system where that 1% controls a lot of American affairs including American politics. This is very problematic because only their voices are begin heard because of the amount of money they have.