According to the concept of the power elite, why would a celebrity commit a crime?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
According to the concept of the power elite, a celebrity might commit a crime because they feel immune to consequences due to their high social status and influence.
Explanation (300 words):
The concept of the power elite comes from sociologist C. Wright Mills, who argued that a small group of people in the upper echelons of society—mainly in the realms of politics, business, and the military—hold a disproportionate amount of power. These individuals make decisions that affect society at large, often without democratic input or accountability.
Over time, the idea of the power elite has expanded to include influential celebrities, particularly those with wealth, media presence, and strong social influence. According to this theory, people within this elite group may operate under different social norms and expectations compared to the general population. They may believe that their fame, connections, and resources shield them from legal or social consequences.
A celebrity committing a crime, in this context, may reflect a sense of entitlement or invincibility—a belief that their status allows them to act outside of the law or societal expectations. The power elite are often insulated from accountability through powerful legal teams, media spin, or lenient judicial treatment.
For example, some celebrities have received light punishments for offenses that would result in harsher penalties for average citizens. This reinforces the idea that the elite operate under a different set of rules. In some cases, the crime itself may even be glamorized or overlooked due to the individual’s popularity.
Thus, from a power elite perspective, the motive behind a celebrity committing a crime may stem not from desperation or need, but from arrogance, perceived immunity, or the abuse of power and privilege—an outcome of being part of a societal group rarely held accountable.