Oligarchy

Description of the pattern

The word "oligarchy" from the Greek words olígos, which means "few," and archo, which means "to rule". It's a form of government that has most of the political power vested with a small group of people, typically the people who have the most wealth, military strength, ruthlessness or political influence.Can be secretive in nature.

How It Works

Powerful families who exist in a system of Oligarchism almost always raise and mentor their children to inherited the power of their predecessors. When Oligarchy applies itself in government, it counters the influence that the people, who are governed, have on their own political system. The will of the people does not apply in Oligarchism, nor does it allow the best people who can govern rise to the position to do so. In some cases, Oligarchy can be separate from government, but still exert its influence on government through economic means. Oligarchism does not always have it exist within a wealthy family, it could also be exist as a military elite, corporations , or religion fundamentalism.

Evidence

See Apartheid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid

Linked patterns

Unacknowledged Privilege

Monopoly

Cultural imperialism

Hidden Agendas

Opacity

Compartmentalization of Knowledge

Resources

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/oligarchy.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy