First published in 1956 the power elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism c c wright mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the united states calling attention to three firmly interlocked prongs of power the military corporate and political elite. First published in 1956 the power elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism c wright mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the united states calling attention to three firmly interlocked prongs of power the military corporate and political elite. In this book the power elite mills delivers a provocative examination of the nature of power privilege and status in the united states and how each of these three critical elements of power and property in this country are irrevocably connected to each other and how they affect and determine the life chances and material hopes of ordinary human beings. First published in 1956 the power elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism c c wright mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the united states calling attention to three firmly interlocked prongs of power the military corporate and political elite. The power elite c wright mills oxford university press feb 17 2000 social science 448 pages 1 review first published in 1956 the power elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism c wright mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the united states calling attention to three firmly