Oligarchy vs Plutocracy: What’s the Difference?

The difference at a glance

An oligarchy is rule by any small group, whether defined by social status, family, or politics. A plutocracy is a specific type of oligarchy where power is held strictly by the wealthiest members of society.

What does Oligarchy mean?

noun · /ˈɒl.ɪ.ɡɑː.ki/

A system of government or organisation in which power is held by a small, often self-serving group. The oligarchs need not be formally in power — they may simply control the systems that govern others.

Oligarchy in a sentence

Critics described the board as an oligarchy — the same five families making every major decision.

Technology has created new oligarchies: vast power concentrated in the hands of very few platform owners.

What does Plutocracy mean?

noun · /pluːˈtɒk.rə.si/

Government by the wealthy; a state or society governed by or in the interest of the richest members. A plutocracy may be a nominal democracy — but power follows money.

Plutocracy in a sentence

The study found that in America, policy outcomes correlated almost entirely with the preferences of the wealthy — a functioning plutocracy.

The city's plutocracy was self-sustaining: the wealthy funded the politicians who protected the wealthy.

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