Elitecentered

Elitecentered is an adjective used in sociology, political science, and media studies to describe systems, policies, or discourses that center the interests, values, and authority of an elite or ruling class. It implies that legitimacy and decision-making power flow primarily through a small, privileged group rather than broad public participation.

In analysis, elitecentered descriptions are applied to governance, urban planning, corporate governance, and national media to signal a bias toward elites. The term often signals a critique of processes considered undemocratic or unrepresentative, and it is frequently contrasted with citizen-centered, participatory, or bottom-up approaches.

Indicators include limited avenues for public input, deference to expert or corporate voices, policy preferences that favor elite interests, opaque lobbying, revolving doors between government and industry, and decision making concentrated in think tanks, boards, or political networks.

Critics argue that elitecentered systems erode legitimacy and equality, while supporters contend they enable expertise and stability. The label is context dependent and sometimes contested, reflecting normative judgments about representation rather than a precise, universally measurable condition.