Power and Elites: Why Does Power Stay in the Hands of a Few?
Have you ever wondered why, in most countries, the same types of people keep coming to power again and again? Why do politicians, wealthy businesspeople, and even military leaders keep dominating, even in democracies? Is it just chance, or is there a pattern?
Sociologists and political thinkers have studied these patterns of power and control. Four key thinkers—Vilfredo Pareto, Gaetano Mosca, Robert Michels, and Steven Lukes—gave us powerful tools to understand how elites rule society and how ordinary people are often kept out of real decision-making.
1. Vilfredo Pareto – The Circulation of Elites & Non-Governing Elite
Core Idea:
Pareto believed that in every society, there is a small group of people who hold real power—called the elite. But over time, this group changes. Old elites fall, and new ones rise. This continuous change is called the “Circulation of Elites.”
Two Types of Elites:
- Lions 🦁: Traditional, conservative elites. They use force, laws, religion, or military to rule. Example: Army generals, strict kings.
- Foxes 🦊: Clever, manipulative elites. They use trickery, diplomacy, business, and media to gain and keep power. Example: Business tycoons, political strategists, media-savvy leaders.
What is Non-Governing Elite?
This refers to elites who are not in power now, but may replace the current elites. For example, opposition parties, rising business figures, or activists.
“Even if governments change, power always stays with some elite group.” – Pareto
Real-life Example:
In India, the Congress party ruled for decades. Later, BJP came to power. But in both cases, the leaders came from elite backgrounds—lawyers, businessmen, or political dynasties. So, power shifted from one elite group to another, not to the common people.
2. Gaetano Mosca – The Ruling Class Theory
Core Idea:
Mosca said that every society has a “ruling class”, a small organized minority that always controls the large unorganized majority.
He said this happens in all systems—monarchy, democracy, communism, or dictatorship.
How the Ruling Class Stays in Power:
- They are well-organized.
- They control key institutions (government, media, education).
- They use ideologies (religion, nationalism, development) to justify their power.
“The masses do not rule; they are ruled by a minority.” – Mosca
Real-life Example:
In many democracies, even when people vote, real decisions are made by top politicians, bureaucrats, and corporate lobbyists. These people make up the ruling class.
3. Robert Michels – The Iron Law of Oligarchy
Core Idea:
Michels said that every organization, no matter how democratic it starts, ends up being ruled by a few leaders. He called this the Iron Law of Oligarchy.
“Who says organization, says oligarchy.” – Michels
Why This Happens:
- Leaders get more experience and control.
- Members trust leaders too much.
- Bureaucracy and rules help leaders stay in power.
- People are too busy to stay involved, so they delegate.
What is Oligarchy?
Oligarchy means rule by a few.
Real-life Example:
A student union may start democratically. But over time, a small group of leaders takes all decisions. Members don’t challenge them. This is oligarchy.
4. Steven Lukes – Three Dimensions of Power
Core Idea:
Lukes said that power is not just about who wins a vote or debate. Power also includes who decides what issues are discussed and how people’s minds are shaped.
The Three Dimensions of Power:
| Dimension | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1st – Decision-Making Power | Who wins open conflicts | Election results, Parliament votes |
| 2nd – Agenda-Setting Power | Who decides what is discussed | Media ignoring issues like farmer suicides |
| 3rd – Shaping Desires | Making people accept injustice as normal | Poor people blaming themselves, not the system |
“The greatest power is when people don’t even know they are being controlled.” – Lukes
Real-life Example:
If poor people believe their poverty is due to their “karma” or “laziness,” even when the system is unjust, that’s the third dimension of power in action.
🔗 How Are These Theories Connected?
| Thinker | Main Idea | Relation to Power |
|---|---|---|
| Pareto | Power rotates among elites (lions, foxes) | New elites come, but people stay powerless |
| Mosca | Power is always with a ruling class | Elites justify their rule through ideology |
| Michels | Power becomes concentrated in any group | Even democracies become elitist |
| Lukes | Power includes control over thoughts | Most powerful control is invisible |
Why This Matters Today
Even in the 21st century, these theories help us see through the illusion of equality. Democracies, corporations, media, and even NGOs often look people-friendly, but decisions are still made by a small elite.
Examples:
- Political dynasties (Gandhis, Yadavs) = Pareto’s elite rotation
- Big businessmen funding elections = Mosca’s ruling class
- Trade unions run by the same leaders for decades = Michels’ oligarchy
- People not protesting injustice = Lukes’ third-dimension power
Conclusion: Who Really Rules?
These four thinkers showed us that power does not truly lie with the people, even in democracies. It lies with organized, clever, or forceful elites who maintain control. Sometimes they change shape—from military to politicians, from kings to corporations—but they remain in charge.
Understanding this is the first step toward building a society where power is more transparent, participatory, and just.