power elite
the concept of a small number of powerful individuals, especially corporate, political, religious, or military leaders, who hold the highest positions of authority in their respective institutions and share a common outlook and values. This elite not only controls vast economic resources but also is thought to shape the agendas of government, business, education, and the media through its actions and attitudes. Most sociologists reject the idea of a single power elite, arguing that developed societies have a complex of overlapping elites, which often have competing values and interests. However, it is in the interests of the various groups of elites to consolidate power by building consensus among themselves. [coined by U.S. sociologist C. Wright Mills (1916–1962)]