Elitism and Institutional Power
Elitism and Institutional Power Elitism and Institutional Power
The elitist theory is a political science premise based on the idea that all political power is held by the elite few with members consisting of individuals from old family wealth and large economic institutions (Dye, 2002). In United States, the consensus may agree that power is held by a select few. Money influences almost every sector of American life and politics in no different. Those with money are more likely to gain influential power that can sway political ideas. This country is a catalog of moguls and tycoons that have influenced American politics to agree with their agenda. The elitist theory defines these relationships between those who influence and the political process as a way to keep the elites’ interests intact and forefront. The story of the cofounder of Microsoft has several aspects that consent to the elitist theory and some that do not endorse the theory.
Power Origin
William H. Gates, better known as Bill Gates, is an American businessman, technology developer, author, and philanthropist that has obtained his elite status through self-made wealth, which has allowed immediate access to policymakers and other elite figures in the world. In 1975, he cofounded Microsoft Corporation, the computer technology and software developing company that has allowed the mainstream application of computers for personal and business use. Microsoft is a multinational company with a netted revenue over $50 billion for the fiscal year ending July 2007 and nearly eighty thousand employees worldwide (Microsoft Corporation, 2007). The company’s success has propelled Gates to be ranked one of world’s richest men, third in order as of 2008 and given him an elite corporate status (Forbes.com LLC, 2008). Gates presently holds the position of Chairman, but held the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Software Architect positions until 2007 when he began transitioning out of the company’s day-to-day
The elitist theory is a political science premise based on the idea that all political power is held by the elite few with members consisting of individuals from old family wealth and large economic institutions (Dye, 2002). In United States, the consensus may agree that power is held by a select few. Money influences almost every sector of American life and politics in no different. Those with money are more likely to gain influential power that can sway political ideas. This country is a catalog of moguls and tycoons that have influenced American politics to agree with their agenda. The elitist theory defines these relationships between those who influence and the political process as a way to keep the elites’ interests intact and forefront. The story of the cofounder of Microsoft has several aspects that consent to the elitist theory and some that do not endorse the theory.
Power Origin
William H. Gates, better known as Bill Gates, is an American businessman, technology developer, author, and philanthropist that has obtained his elite status through self-made wealth, which has allowed immediate access to policymakers and other elite figures in the world. In 1975, he cofounded Microsoft Corporation, the computer technology and software developing company that has allowed the mainstream application of computers for personal and business use. Microsoft is a multinational company with a netted revenue over $50 billion for the fiscal year ending July 2007 and nearly eighty thousand employees worldwide (Microsoft Corporation, 2007). The company’s success has propelled Gates to be ranked one of world’s richest men, third in order as of 2008 and given him an elite corporate status (Forbes.com LLC, 2008). Gates presently holds the position of Chairman, but held the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Software Architect positions until 2007 when he began transitioning out of the company’s day-to-day
References: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (2008). Foundation Fact Sheet. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation website: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/MediaCenter/FactSheet/ Dye, T. R. (2002). Who’s Running America? The Bush Restoration (7th Edition ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Editorial Projects in Education. (2006, December 13). Influence: A Study of the Factors Shaping Education Policy. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Editorial Projects in Education website: http://www.edweek.org/rc/articles/2006/12/13/influentials.html Forbes.com LLC. (2008, March 5). The World 's Billionaires. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Forbes.com website: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_William-Gates-III_BH69.html Herszenhorn, D. M. (2007, April 25). Billionaires Start $60 Million Schools Effort. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from New York Times website: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Loomis, C. J. (2006, July 25). Warren Buffett gives away his fortune. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from CNNMoney.com website: http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/25/magazines/fortune/charity1.fortune/ Microsoft Corporation. (2007, July 30). Bill Gates. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/default.mspx Microsoft Corporation. (2007, August 1). Fast Facts About Microsoft. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/inside_ms.mspx