Pluralism Vs Elitism Flashcards
Who was a notable pluralist?
Robert A Dahl
How do pluralists argue that power is distributed?
Widely and evenly, without any narrow elites having a concentration of power.
Pressure groups in pluralism
+ Multiplicity
+ Everyone is represented in some way
+ Ensure distribution of power
+ All pressure groups have equal power and equal chance of influencing policy
Government in pluralism
Government is a neutral arbiter meaning it has no agenda of its own. As such it listens to the arguments of the competing interests and then chooses the most sensible option.
Distribution of power in elitism
Power is concentrated in a narrow elite at the top of the system. Important policies are devised by a small group of great wealth.
Pressure groups in elitism
Government only listens to those who have similar views to themselves. Any pressure group with an outsider status is essentially sidelined.
Government in elitism
Government is not a neutral arbiter and has its own agenda. Therefore it only listens to the pressure groups who align with it.
Who came up with the Iron Law of Oligarchy and when?
Robert Michels in 1911
What is the Iron Law of Oligarchy?
The idea that all organisations eventually become oligarchies with a small number of people institutionalising power over time.
Who came up with the Military Industrial Complex and when?
Charles Wright-Mills in 1956
What is the military-industrial complex?
The idea that the combined and interwoven influences of the military, corporations and politicians renders the public powerless.
