Determinants of Economic Attitudes in the American Business Elite

Abstract

A survey of 120 top business leaders shows that economic attitudes were more liberal among those who participated in polici-planning organizations and in a policy-interaction network crossing institutional sectors. Participation was fostered by elite education; membership i elite clubs; and growing up in northeastern, urban, and big-business families. Cultural origins (region and size of birthplace, parent's religion, and generation) also exerted direct influence on economic attitudes.