What does plutocracy mean?
Plutocracy means a system in which the wealthy exercise disproportionate political power and influence. It may describe a government whose policies and institutions serve the interests of a small, rich minority, or more broadly a society where wealth is closely tied to control over public life. The word is usually critical rather than neutral, because it presents economic inequality as a source of political domination. Unlike oligarchy, which identifies rule by a small group regardless of its basis, plutocracy specifically identifies wealth as the source of that group's power. The term is also sometimes used more loosely to suggest that government is excessively responsive to wealthy interests, even without proving that all state institutions are controlled by them. Recognized by the related adjective plutocratic, plutocracy is a precise and forceful word for describing political power based on wealth.
nounA government or social order in which political power and influence are concentrated among the wealthy.
- A system of government or social organization in which wealth determines who holds political power and influence.
"The new policy prompted fears that the country was becoming a plutocracy controlled by a tiny wealthy elite."
"Opposition leaders denounced the tax reforms as an attempt to entrench plutocracy."
"The essay examines how campaign finance can give wealthy interests disproportionate influence in a modern democracy."
The plural is uncommon and is chiefly used when referring to different societies or systems of rule by the wealthy.
"The author compares the plutocracies of several highly unequal societies."
Democracy means rule by the people; plutocracy means rule by the wealthy—a distinction in one word that exposes where power lies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plutocracy come from?
Plutocracy was formed in the early 17th century from Greek ploutos, meaning wealth, and a form of the Greek suffix -kratia, meaning rule or power. The resulting term deliberately echoed other Greek-based names for political systems, including democracy and oligarchy. English later developed related forms such as plutocrat and plutocratic from the same roots.
Related word forms
How plutocracy is actually used
The term is formal and commonly carries a critical or negative connotation. It can describe either government dominated by the wealthy or any social order in which wealth is strongly linked to political power; unlike oligarchy, its defining feature is wealth rather than group size alone.
Easily confused with plutocracy
Both terms denote rule by the wealthy, but plutarchy is the less common synonym, while plutocracy is the established standard term.