In America perhaps only race is a more sensitive subject than the way we sort ourselves out in the struggle for success. The eminent sociologist Robert Merton calls it the 'structure of opportunity'. In the understanding of the usefulness of the term 'elite', there are some common historical variables, which must be looked at in order to appreciate the power organisms at work even in American society, and how from the days of Thomas Jefferson to the era of Newt Gingrich, the assumption of superiority is an undercurrent in American life and society.

In this essay I will attempt to show that elitist power in America is controlled by a few at the top of the political, corporate, social and religious pyramid. Moreover, the concept of natural aristocracy, or meritocracy, has a powerful resonance even in the United States of America.

In understanding the usefulness of the term elite in American society, late 19th and 20th century history provides the pretext for what was called a " fluid society ". This was a highly mechanized, industrial age i

Much of the capitalist wealth of America today has been created by a dynasty of some the nation's richest families of the Industrial Age, i.e. the Carnegies, Rockefellers, Fords, Motts, Pews and others. According to research done by Middle American News, the Foundations set up by these rich and powerful families constitute a hidden economy of some $300 billion, a sum which exceeds the GDP of Switzerland and is used to bankroll elitist activism profoundly influencing social policy and legislature. (Holland 1998 )

In understanding the usefulness of the term elite in American society, late 19th and 20th century history provides the pretext for what was called a " fluid society ". This was a highly mechanized, industrial age in which people's roles were being determined by their merit, talents, character and 'grit'. By 1910, Harvard Professor Frederick Jackson Turner was influential in transforming this ministerial training school into an Ivy League institution, dominated by the children of a distinct upper class... most Northeastern and mostly business. This class came to be known as the Episcopacy, after its predominant religion - Episcopalianism.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Major Theories, Class Theory, Parsons Henderson, Max Weber, Rupert Murdoch, Media Domination, Ivy League, Business Week, Groton Hotchkiss, Politburo' Russia, power elite, american society, middle american, elitist power, holland 1998, ruling class, 1994 published united, business week, atlantic monthly, newt gingrich, domhoff 1967, report 1994 published, understanding usefulness term, investment report 1994, published united nations,
Approximate Word count = 5623
Approximate Pages = 22 (250 words per page double spaced)