G. William Domhoff’s “Who Rules America?” examines the power structure (Oligarchy) in the United States, arguing that a small, interconnected elite—composed of wealthy individuals, corporate leaders, and policy influencers—dominates the political and economic landscape.
He outlines how this “power elite” maintains control through corporate board interlocks, policy-planning networks, and social institutions that reinforce their influence.
Domhoff challenges the notion of a democratic (Constitutional Republic) society by illustrating how these elites shape policies and public opinion to serve their interests, thereby perpetuating their dominance.
“Who Rules America?” explores the structure of power in the United States, arguing that a corporate elite, composed of wealthy business owners and executives, dominates the political and economic landscape.
- Power Elite: A small group of affluent individuals and families control major corporations, media, and political institutions.
- Interlocking Directorates: Corporate boards are interconnected, consolidating power within the elite.
- Policy Planning Networks: Think tanks, foundations, and policy discussion groups shape government policies in favor of the elite.
These mechanisms perpetuate elite control over American society.
Who Rules America? Provides a detailed analysis of the American power structure, focusing on the role of the corporate elite in controlling key societal institutions. Domhoff argues that the United States is governed by a “power elite” made up of wealthy business leaders, corporate executives, and high-ranking political figures who exert considerable influence over government policies, economic decisions, and social norms.
- Power Elite:
- Domhoff expands on C. Wright Mills’ concept of the power elite, arguing that this small group of wealthy individuals controls the major institutions in America, including corporations, the government, and the military.
- The power elite is not a monolithic group but is characterized by overlapping memberships in corporate boards, social clubs, and policy-making organizations.
- Corporate Dominance:
- A significant portion of the book focuses on how large corporations dominate the economy and political landscape.
- Domhoff illustrates how interlocking directorates (shared board members between different companies) consolidate corporate power and influence over public policy.
- Policy Planning Network:
- Domhoff discusses the role of think tanks, foundations, and policy discussion groups, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission, in shaping government policies to benefit the elite.
- These organizations are often funded and directed by the power elite, ensuring that public policies align with their interests.
- Social Clubs and Elite Education:
- The book examines how elite social clubs, private schools, and Ivy League universities perpetuate the power and cohesion of the elite.
- These institutions serve as networking hubs, helping to maintain and pass down elite status across generations.
- Influence on Government and Media:
- Domhoff argues that the power elite exercises significant control over the political process through campaign contributions, lobbying, and media ownership.
- The media, often owned by corporations linked to the elite, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and legitimizing the existing power structure.
- Critique of Pluralism:
- The book challenges the pluralist view that power in America is distributed among many competing interest groups.
- Domhoff contends that true power is concentrated in the hands of the elite, who often collaborate to maintain their dominance rather than compete against each other.
- Social Movements and Change:
- Domhoff acknowledges the role of social movements in challenging the power elite but argues that these movements face significant obstacles due to the entrenched nature of elite control.
Who Rules America? Provides a comprehensive examination of the ways in which a small, interconnected elite maintains control over American society. Domhoff’s analysis reveals the underlying power dynamics that influence political and economic decisions, challenging the notion that the United States is a fully democratic society. The book is a critical resource for understanding the complexities of power and inequality in America.
