SOCA01H3 Chapter 14: Chapter 14 pages.docx
Document Summary
Pluralist theory; olds that power is widely dispersed. As a result, no group enjoys disproportionate influence and decisions are usually reached through negotiation and compromise. New haven: (1950s) was highly democratic, either economic leaders or social elite monopolized political decision making. Different groups of people decided various political issues. Pluralists follow closely to functionalist script; they view the political system as an institution that helps society achieve its collective goals and interests. Pluralists do not believe that different members of society might have different goals and interests and that some groups are more powerful and possibly disruptive. Elite theorists; holds that small groups occupying the common posts of 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. C. wright mills (1956) defined elites as; a small group that controls the command posts of institutions.
