Elite capture

Elite capture is where resources transferred designated for the benefit of the larger population are usurped by a few individuals of superior status - be it economic, political, educational, ethnic, or otherwise. Individuals or groups take advantage of government programs aimed at distributing resources or funds to the general public by using their elite influence to direct such assistance in such a way that it primarily benefits the elite group. It is a common disadvantage of decentralisation.

See also

• Corporate welfare
• Regulatory capture