Final answer:
The 'power elite' refers to a small group of influential individuals who control policies to maintain their wealth, a concept presented by C. Wright Mills. These elite often include politicians like senators, who have significant power in government decision-making. G. William Domhoff expanded on this, describing the elite as a distinct subculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the power elite was introduced by sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1956. Mills theorized that American society is largely controlled by a small grouping of wealthy and powerful individuals at the very top of society, including wealthy executives, politicians, and military leaders. These elites are perceived to leverage their economic and social influence to create and enact policies that preserve their status and wealth. They form a subculture with common social patterns, and their influence extends to control over government, allowing them to institute policies that align with their interests over those of the general populace.
G. William Domhoff later expanded on Mills' theory, describing the power elite as a subculture united by exclusive clubs, schools, and vacation spots. In contrast to this idea, pluralist theory suggests that power is more dispersed among a variety of competing interest groups who influence political decisions.
Considering Mills' work and the additional insights offered by Domhoff, it is evident that according to elite theory, an individual such as a senator is highly likely to be a member of the power elite due to their influential role in government and proximity to the mechanisms of power and decision-making that could benefit the elite class.