SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes -Upper Class, Ruling Class, Elite Theory
Document Summary
Power (ability to impose its will on others) becomes legitimate authority; under other circumstances, they may become social movements (nonauthority). Normal politics: practised when authorities are firmly in power. Politics beyond the rules: practised when legitimacy of authority grows weak. Pluralist theory: democratic politics is about compromise and accommodation of all group interests because of heterogeneity. Assumes that all major groups in society enjoy approximately equal power. Elite theory (mills): power is concentrated on higher-status groups (elites) and they do this without elections or public opinion. Assumes that upper class enjoy the most power. Power-balance theory: substantial shifts in distribution of power often occur and have discernible effects on voting patterns and public policies; treats distribution of power as a variable. Suggests that democratic politics is a contest among various classes and other groups to control the state for their own advantage.
