Elite Theory in the Context of Public Policy Making

Abstract

Behind the management of a state, there exists the minority ''elite" that dictates who gets what, when and how. Thus, the idea that the minority makes the decisions (policies) that affect the general public remains inviolable and sacrosanct and as such basis for understanding public policy analysis. It is on this premise that this paper though a directed and summative content analysis beams the searchlight on the relationship the elite and public policy with emphasis on elite theory. It conceptualizes elite as people who are distinguished by their status, income and knowledge, and have a significant impact on how public policy is decided across a range of political system. To this end, the influence of the elite on decision making is examined. It also examines the concept of elite theory, its criticisms and establishes its relevance in understanding public policy dynamics.