Final Answer:
The statement is False because Mills' concept of the "power elite" didn't exclusively refer to top white male leaders but encompassed influential figures across government, military, and big business irrespective of race or gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
C. Wright Mills, a sociologist, coined the term "power elite" in his book "The Power Elite." Contrary to the statement, Mills didn't exclusively refer to "white male leaders." Instead, he identified a group consisting of individuals from government, military, and corporate spheres who wield significant influence over societal decisions.
The term encompassed a broader spectrum of influential figures regardless of gender or race. Mills' concept emphasized the concentration of power among a select group rather than attributing it solely to white male leaders.
Mills' idea of the power elite centered on the interconnectedness and collaboration among leaders from these sectors to shape major decisions affecting society. It wasn't confined to the demographics of race or gender but focused on the concentration of power in key institutions.
His work highlighted the coalescence of authority among a select few, irrespective of their demographic characteristics, thereby altering the framing of power dynamics within the U.S.
In essence, while Mills identified specific sectors like government, military, and big business, his concept of the power elite didn't specifically limit itself to white males. It encompassed a broader spectrum of influential individuals across different demographics who collectively held significant sway over societal decisions.