Pluralism as a Theory of Presentation

Pluralism as a Theory of Presentation

Pluralism is a structuralist theory. It is the situation within the

state or social organisations in which power is shared among a number

of groups and organisations. This is a key characteristic of liberal

democratic political systems in which power can be openly competed for

rather than being concentrated in the hands of a small group of people

who constitute a ruling elite.

Some pluralist theorists emphasise the importance that pressure groups

have in liberal democratic political systems. These are viewed as a

key mechanism through which public opinion can influence the decision

making process. A pluralist society is one in which citizens are

organised into a variety of interest groups that compete with one

another. This process occurs within a state, which is independent of

the class interests. And is superintendent by the government that

adjudicates in the constant competing between groups and interests,

seeking to assert the public interest

Pluralism is a political sociological theory that is based on

structuralism. It emphasizes the functionalists' concepts of

equilibrium and stability with gradual change. Where pluralists differ

from functionalists is that they see individuals with many different

interests, values and goals.

Decisions reflect the process of bargaining between diverse bodies.

This means that pluralist theorists are divided as to whether the

government is an arbiter of inter-group disputes or whether it is

itself a key factor in negotiating process pursuing its own interests

as well as responding to demands from outside

An interest group i...

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...he inevitability of elite rule and do not agree about who

constitutes the elite or elites.

In conclusion to this essay it can be seen that pluralists believe

that pluralism explains liberal democracies and that they work whereas

Marxists believe that they don't work and that pluralism doesn't

explain western European democracies. It can also be seen that

pluralism has many criticisms as Marxists and other conflict theorists

have suggested that pluralists ignore some aspects of power. In

particular it is argued that they concentrate exclusively on the first

face of power. Some criticise that pluralists ignore the possibility

that some have the power to prevent certain issues from reaching the

point of decision. Pluralists can also be criticised for ignoring what

Steven Luke's had identified as the third face of power.