The Power Elite

By C. Wright Mills,

Book cover of The Power Elite

Book description

First published in 1956, The Power Elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism. C. Wright Mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the United States, calling attention to three firmly interlocked prongs of power: the military, corporate, and political elite. The Power Elite…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Power Elite as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

One of my favorite groundbreaking explorations of the interwoven structures of power in American society. Mills posits that a small, cohesive group of elites—comprising leaders from the military, corporate, and political spheres—wields disproportionate influence over the nation’s decisions and direction. He challenges the notion of a democratic society, arguing that this elite class operates independently of the masses, shaping policies that often serve their interests rather than the common good.

Mills calls for awareness and engagement from the public, urging individuals to recognize the forces that govern their lives. By illuminating the dynamics of power, he inspires a collective consciousness…

From Keith's list on rewriting your story.

If you love The Power Elite...

Ad

Book cover of Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

Grand Old Unraveling By John Kenneth White,

It didn’t begin with Donald Trump. When the Republican Party lost five straight presidential elections during the 1930s and 1940s, three things happened: (1) Republicans came to believe that presidential elections are rigged; (2) Conspiracy theories arose and were believed; and (3) The presidency was elevated to cult-like status.

Long…

Want books like The Power Elite?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 61 books like The Power Elite.

Browse books like The Power Elite

Book cover of The Color Purple
Book cover of Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women
Book cover of Sparrow in the Razor Wire: Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in power, politics, and democracy?

Power 43 books
Politics 771 books
Democracy 122 books