 ##  [Elite Theory](/index.php/elite-theory) 

  ##  [Elite Theory](https://social.quantumdictionary.io/elite-theory-0) 

  

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**Social Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A social-scientific model asserting that in complex polities a relatively small, socially connected set of actors—defined by control of key resources (economic capital, organizational positions, expertise, commanding institutions)—exerts disproportionate and durable influence over major policy decisions and agenda-setting such that formal democratic procedures do not by themselves determine outcom