What term did C. Wright Mills use to describe a small group of leaders who control significant aspects of society?

C. Wright Mills coined the term "power elite" to describe a relatively small group of individuals who hold a disproportionate amount of power and influence in society, particularly in the realms of politics, economics, and military. Mills argued that this elite is composed of leaders from the highest levels of government, corporations, and the military, who work together to shape policies and control resources, often behind the scenes. This concept highlights how a concentrated group can have a significant impact on societal structures and decision-making, indicating that many decisions affecting the broader population are made by this small faction rather than by a democratic process involving the populace at large.

The other terms provided do not encapsulate Mills' specific analysis of societal power dynamics. "Power structure" is a more general term that could refer to any organizational hierarchy within society. "Political elite" and "economic elite" are narrower categories that focus on specific aspects of elite influence but do not fully capture Mills' overarching concept of a unified power elite encompassing political, economic, and military leaders.