Conflict Theory
This 19th-century German philosopher is considered the primary founder of Conflict Theory, focusing on the struggle between the "Bourgeoisie" and the "Proletariat."
Karl Marx
This specific social theory, rooted in Marxism, focuses on critiquing and changing society as a whole rather than just documenting it.
Critical Theory
Marxist sociology is primarily considered a subfield of this broader sociological school of thought, which views society as a competition for power.
Conflict Theory
This famous 1959 book by Mills encourages individuals to see the connection between their personal experiences and wider social forces.
The Sociological Imagination
According to Mills, the Power Elite is composed of leaders from these three specific sectors of American society.
Government, Military, and Corporations
Conflict Theory views society not as a system of cooperation, but as a competition for these, which include power, wealth, and influence.
Limited Resources
Marx used this term to describe the working class—those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.
Proletariat
In Marxist terms, this "ruling class" controls the means of production, such as factories, land, and technology.
Bourgeoisie
Mills coined this term to describe the interconnected leaders of the military, corporate, and political strata who dominate American society.
Power Elite
This term describes the phenomenon where members of the Power Elite frequently move between high-level positions in the three different sectors.
Interchangeability (or "The Revolving Door")
This 20th-century American sociologist expanded Conflict Theory by introducing the concept of the "Power Elite."
C. Wright-Mills
According to Marx, this is the primary driver of all historical change and social evolution.
Class Struggle (or Class Conflict)
This Marxist concept refers to the way the ruling class uses cultural institutions, like media and religion, to impose its values on the rest of society.
Cultural Hegemony
In his 1951 book "White Collar," Mills studied this growing social group, arguing they were alienated and "politically passive" in modern society.
Middle Class
Mills argued that because the Power Elite share similar social backgrounds and interests, they often develop this, allowing them to act as a unified group.
Class Consciousness (or Shared Mindset)
According to Marxist theory, this term describes the "ruling class" who own the means of production (factories, land, and capital).
Bourgeoisie
Marx argued that under capitalism, workers experience this state of being "estranged" or disconnected from the products of their labor and their own humanity.
Alienation
Marxists argue that these two elements—the economic "Base" and the social "Superstructure"—interact to maintain the power of the elite.
Social Structures (or the Base and Superstructure)
Mills was a vocal critic of this "grand" sociological perspective, which he felt focused too much on social harmony and ignored power struggles.
Functionalism
In Mills' view, the vast majority of the population belongs to this group, which has little to no influence over major national decisions.
Masses
C. Wright Mills used this term to describe the interconnected group of military, corporate, and political leaders who hold the majority of power in society.
Power Elite
This Marxist concept refers to the factory owners' practice of paying workers less than the actual value of the goods they produce to generate profit.
Exploitation (or Surplus Value)
This is the ultimate goal of Marxist sociological analysis: to move beyond just understanding society and actually achieve this for the working class.
Social Revolution (or Social Change)
This movement of the 1960s was heavily influenced by Mills' calls for intellectuals to take a more active role in social and political change.
Student Movement (or the New Left)
Mills used this term to describe the middle level of power, which includes Congress and interest groups, which he believed were largely ineffective at checking the Power Elite.
Middle Level of Power