Discuss the elitist model of power. How does this view relate to the thinking of Karl Marx? Describe the instrumentalist and structural views

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Feedback: The elitist model views power as a pyramid where the people at the apex control the rest. This is similar to the views of Karl Marx, for whom economics was the basis for the stratification system (i.e., unequal distribution of rewards, including power). The economic elite, because of its ownership and control of the economy, exerts tremendous influence on government policies and actions and is, therefore, a ruling class, and the state serves the interests of the capitalist class. Marxists disagree on how this is accomplished. (1) In the instrumentalist view the ruling class rules by controlling political officials and institutions through money and influence. Research shows connections (social backgrounds) between top corporate and political decision makers. In effect, then, the government is an active instrument of the ruling class, used to accomplish its goals. (2) The structuralist view thinks the linkage between the economic elite and the political elite is not important. Essentially, the political and economic elite are on the same side and so the state will serve the interests of the elite whether they actively try to manipulate the system or not.