power Flashcards
(10 cards)
How does the government act in classical pluralism?
The government acts as a mediator, to balance competing interests. Power is diffused in government between legislative, executive and judicial branches. Interest groups form address social issues.Policy process is shaped by society’s wants. interests groups often dissolve after solving social issues eg campaign for support for injured veterans
access to the classical pluralist agenda
While the agenda arises from social issues, and allows groups to influence policy, access to the process is unequal. Scholars like Dahl believed that countervailing forces help maintain balance despite sharp conflicts, particularly between business and labor
what is classical pluralism about?
emphasises the presence of multiple social groups in society. It shaped the foundation of American federalism, balancing power between states and the central government, it reflected the country’s ethnic and religious diversity. Political power is spread out between different groups not just classes
what are lukes 3 dimensions of politically power?
Classical pluralism and its variants
process of non decision
how people are conditioned to obey political elites
what is Russell’s definition of power?
Being able to get someone to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do
criticism of classical pluralism
People criticise view of government as neutral judge, as it suppresses conflict before it emerges, and favour certain groups over others. Political elites manipulate the process for their own gain
what is non-decision?
institutional bias used to systematically exclude key groups, such as black Americans, by labelling their leaders as communists. powerful interests can prevent certain issues from reaching the agenda
Power beyond pluralism
Political values can affect how people think about issues. Power can be expressed through controlling how people think. Business power is built into system through ideological influence. Foucault further explains that elites exercise power by controlling socialization and shaping behavior, using examples like public executions to show how people internalize norms and discipline themselves
what was lukes work criticised for?
lukes said some structures aka housing, is impersonal and not a source of power, even though, low income people could access houses through policies
how did Lukes respond to the criticism?
Admitted power is not only about domination; it also exists within structures like housing markets, where actors such as managers and financiers play accountable roles. He also argues that politicians who have the ability to address issues like housing but choose not to act are exercising power through their inaction.
