Plutocracy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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plutocracy
[pluːˈtɒkrəsi ]
Definition
form of government
Plutocracy is a form of government in which the wealthy class rules and has disproportionate influence over political decisions. In a plutocracy, economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or families, who use their wealth to maintain power and influence. This leads to a system where the interests of the rich are prioritized over those of the general population.
Synonyms
aristocracy, elite rule, oligarchy.
Examples of usage
- The country's shift towards a plutocracy was evident in the policies that favored the wealthy elite.
- The growing wealth gap was seen as a sign of the increasing influence of plutocracy in the government.
Translations
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Origin of 'plutocracy'
The term 'plutocracy' is derived from the Greek words 'ploutos', meaning wealth, and 'kratos', meaning power or rule. The concept of plutocracy has been around for centuries, with examples in various historical periods where wealth determined political power. In modern times, the term is often used to critique systems where economic inequality leads to the concentration of power among the wealthy few.