The ability of elites to maintain their power without a constant challenge from the wider population is a central topic in political and sociological theory.

While formal laws and institutions are certainly important, a significant part of this dominance is attributed to a set of "unwritten rules" or informal mechanisms.

These are not a secret code or a conspiracy, but rather a set of norms, behaviors, and structural advantages that reinforce elite status and discourage opposition.

Here are some of the key unwritten rules and mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of elite power:

1. Social Homogeneity and Interlocking Networks: Elites often share similar backgrounds. They attend the same prestigious schools, belong to the same social clubs, and move within a small, interconnected network of people. This social homogeneity fosters a shared worldview and a common set of interests. As C. Wright Mills described in his theory of the "power elite," individuals often move seamlessly between powerful positions in corporations, government, and the military. This creates a "closed circuit of leadership" where a consistent set of ideas and agendas can be coordinated and advanced with limited public input.

2. Control over Institutions and Resources: Elites exert influence by controlling key institutions and resources. This includes ownership of media outlets, which allows them to shape public narratives and frame political debates. They also have disproportionate control over economic structures, enabling them to influence wage policies, labor relations, and social programs in ways that favor their continued dominance. Furthermore, they can leverage their wealth to fund political campaigns, think tanks, and foundations, which further amplify their influence on public policy.

3. Legitimacy and Ideology: Elite decisions often carry an "aura of expertise or necessity." This legitimacy is reinforced by the perceived competence and success of the elites themselves. They can frame their interests as being in the best interest of the nation or society as a whole. As Gaetano Mosca argued, the ruling class maintains its power through a combination of coercion and the creation of ideologies that legitimize their authority. This can be as simple as promoting a certain economic theory or as complex as shaping the values of an entire culture.

4. Cultural Capital and Social Cues: As sociologist Pierre Bourdieu theorized, elites possess "cultural capital" that includes specific manners, tastes, and knowledge acquired in their exclusive environments. This cultural capital acts as a form of social currency, making it difficult for individuals from non-elite backgrounds to navigate and succeed in elite circles. It creates an informal barrier that can disadvantage capable individuals who don't possess the same social cues and norms.

5. Strategic Coordination and Collective Action: While the non-elite population is often diverse and fragmented, making collective action difficult, the smaller size and shared interests of the elite make coordination far easier. Informal ties, exclusive events, and a common understanding of their shared interests allow them to coordinate policy initiatives, public messaging, and long-term agendas effectively. This "solving of the collective action problem" gives them a significant advantage over the masses.

6. The "Iron Law of Oligarchy": Political sociologist Robert Michels's "iron law of oligarchy" suggests that even in organizations that are meant to be democratic, power will inevitably become concentrated in the hands of a few leaders. He argued that the peculiar organizational features of modern politics—such as the need for specialized knowledge and a permanent administrative staff—make it impossible for true democracy to exist, as a self-interested elite will always out-organize the people.

7. The "Revolving Door" of Power

This unwritten rule involves the fluid movement of individuals between high-level positions in the private sector, government, and other influential institutions like think tanks or prestigious universities. For example, a corporate executive might become a government regulator, and then later, a lobbyist for the very industry they once oversaw. This creates a powerful interlocking network where shared interests and perspectives are consistently prioritized. It ensures that decision-makers in different spheres of power are connected by personal history and a common worldview, limiting the influence of those outside this circle.

8. Social and Cultural Capital as Barriers

Elites leverage cultural capital—a concept from sociologist Pierre Bourdieu—to maintain their status. This isn't just about wealth; it's about the social assets that confer status, like a specific accent, exclusive educational credentials, knowledge of fine arts, or even certain manners and tastes. This cultural knowledge is often unconsciously acquired from a young age within elite circles and acts as a filter. It makes it difficult for individuals from different social classes to gain entry and be taken seriously, even if they have the necessary skills or intelligence. This subtle form of social exclusion reinforces the idea that elites are inherently more capable or deserving of their positions.

9. The "Myth of Meritocracy"

A powerful unwritten rule is the promotion of the idea that society is a meritocracy, where success is based purely on individual talent and effort. While this idea encourages hard work, it also serves to justify existing inequalities. If the system is believed to be fair, then the success of the elites appears to be a natural result of their hard work, and the struggles of others can be attributed to their personal failings rather than to systemic disadvantages. This ideology makes it less likely that people will question the fundamental fairness of the power structure, thereby reducing the potential for a collective challenge to elite rule.

10. The Co-optation of Opposition

Elites often neutralize threats by co-opting potential leaders or movements from the opposition. Rather than directly repressing them, they may offer an aspiring leader a position within their system—a prestigious job, a seat on a board, or a high-profile media platform. This not only removes a vocal critic from the opposition but also uses them to lend legitimacy to the elite system. It creates the illusion that the system is open to change and diverse perspectives while subtly absorbing and diluting the very forces that might challenge it.