Which model views society as governed by a small group sharing common political and economic interests?

The elite model is a sociological perspective that posits that society is controlled by a small, concentrated group of individuals who hold significant political and economic power. This model emphasizes the idea that this elite group, often characterized by shared interests and values, makes decisions that affect the broader population, often without much input from the masses.

The elite model suggests that regardless of the democratic structures in place, such as elections and representative institutions, the actual power dynamics are heavily tilted towards this small group. This concept is rooted in the work of sociologists like Vilfredo Pareto, who argued that in any society, a minority would always exert a disproportionately high level of influence. The elite may be derived from various sectors, including business, political leaders, and other influential sectors, thus shaping policies and societal norms to benefit their interests.

In relation to the other choices, the republican model typically emphasizes representation and the rule of law, aiming for broader participation in governance. The democratic model focuses on equal participation and the principle of majority rule, which directly counters the idea of a ruling elite. The plutocratic model places emphasis specifically on wealth as the basis of power, but it can be seen as a narrower subset of the elite model, focusing solely on wealthy individuals rather than