SOCA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Ower, Civi-Dt, Social Movement
Document Summary
Mass media print, radio, television, and other communication. In a democracy, the mass media help keep the public informed about the quality of government. Public opinion refers to the values and attitudes of the adult population as. Pluralist theory holds that power is widely dispersed. As a result, no group enjoys disproportionate influence, and decisions are usually reached through negotiation and compromise. Following functionalist script, pluralists viewed political system as an institution that helps society achieve collective goals and interests, integrating members and keeping equilibrium in the process. Elite theory holds that small groups occupying the command posts of the most influential institutions make important decisions that profoundly affect all members of society. Moreover, they do so without much regard for elections or public opinion. Elites small groups that control the command posts of institutions, defined by foremost early elite theorist c. wright mills. People moved between elite groups during their careers.
