Until recently, Sweden basically had an aristocratic caste consisting of the inner party of the Social Democrats, the labor leaders, the head editors of the maj

Until recently, Sweden basically had an aristocratic caste consisting of the inner party of the Social Democrats, the labor leaders, the head editors of the major newspapers, etc. Basically a clique of people doing deals behind closed doors and having their own shared mythology/worldview as well as exclusive channels to the populace. This appears to be what Stieg Larsson touched on in his "Dragon" (U.S. title) / "The Girl..." books. For example, his partner (in various senses), Erika, is described as 'upper class' and coming from a privileged background. Is Larsson's descriptive language the same sort of thing you're describing? One reason I enjoyed those books: Some feeling for the contemporary setting and society.