Iron Law of Oligarchy
과두제의 철칙
A classic political sociology thesis asserting that all complex organizations, regardless of how democratic their initial ideals, inevitably degenerate into oligarchical rule by a small leadership elite.
| Field | Political Science · Sociology |
|---|---|
| Level of analysis | Macro · Structures & Institutions |
| Paradigm | Structuralism Conflict Theory |
| Key figures | 👤 Robert Michels (로베르트 미헬스) |
| Year | 1911 |
Key Claims
Robert Michels analyzed the German Social Democratic Party to formulate his Iron Law. Complex mass organizations require technical expertise, bureaucratic centralization, and specialized leadership. Over time, leaders develop self-interested goals, monopolize communication, and dominate the passive rank-and-file.
Further Reading
- Michels, R. (1911). Zur Soziologie des Parteiwesens in der modernen Demokratie. (English: Political Parties: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracy, 1915, Free Press).
Related theories 2개
A foundational theoretical framework in political-science addressing Elite Theory at the meso level of analysis.
A foundational theoretical framework in sociology addressing Theory of Bureaucracy at the meso level of analysis.