Pluralism

“Pluralism can never exist in its purest form.” Discuss with reference to elitism and Marxism. Many major sociological theories are concerned with the distribution of power in society and view those with power as controlling the society. In this essay I will be examining the way pluralism, elitism and Marxism view the distribution of power in society as well as why it is argued that pluralism cannot exist in its purest form. Pluralists, such as …

…may lead to conflict. For example when Margaret Thatcher was in power she ignored the interests of the working classes and simply represented the upper classes, which led to union protests throughout Britain. The integration of business into society, for example shares, and the rise of consumerism mean that pluralism can never exist in capitalist societies as the distribution of power depends on the economy and thus it is businesses that are truly in control.