Pluralism Flashcards
1
Q
the normative description of pluralism
A
- many groups have influence over the state
- states take their interests into account
- wiser as a result
2
Q
explanatory description of pluralism
A
- modern societies are complex and diverse
- many groups which cooperate and conflict
- states behaviour is a result of the interaction of these forces
3
Q
what is the focus of pluralism?
A
focus on the groups rather than individuals- volunteer groups (don’t like totalitarian group-forced)
4
Q
historical response to pluralism?
A
worried it would cause fragmentation
5
Q
who came up with the interest group concept?
A
Truman
6
Q
What is the interest group concept?
A
Truman focuses on groups with collective interests
Especially employers’ and employees’ organisations
Later pluralists include advocacy groups too
E.g. environment and animal welfare groups
7
Q
assumptions of pluralists
A
- all groups have roughly equal power
- groups could emerge if reason to do so- Brexit
- politics significantly shaped by the ‘interest group process’
8
Q
what makes pluralism successful
A
- resources and channels to influence elites and government
- groups forming coalitions
- groups have different levels of interest but all have some
