The (Over)View of Pluralism

ANTO COMETA

“If pluralism is a valid view, and respect between systems of values which are not necessarily hostile to each other is possible, then toleration and liberal consequences follow, as they do not either from monism (only one set of values is true, all the others are false) or from relativism (my values are mine, yours are yours, and if we clash, too bad, neither of us can claim to be right).”

– Isaiah Berlin

Pluralism holds the view that diversity amongst individuals and groups is a significant factor that is quite essential and beneficial to society. It is defined in the context of liberal democracies wherein the concentration of power should not be exclusively held by a single or group of elites but should be dispersed among the various ideological and economic pressure groups of the society.[1]

The players of pluralism referred to as the pressure or interest groups interact with each other in such a way that they may be able to compromise, compete, have a concession and negotiate with each other. The primary objective is for the group’s principle to develop into the dominant interest and to eventually become the majority. However, given the system in which they operate, pressure groups tend to be controlled and confined within the premise of the system itself.

Pressure or interest groups represent the positions of the bloc or people they belong to. These groups act based on the beliefs and common goals that they share with the rest of the faction. The significance of pressure groups is situated in the ideology and manner of influencing the public or liable parties. They seek to convey their causes, advocacies and programs by influencing people or society in general. These groups are entirely different from political parties - Political parties seek to convey their concerns by being elected in public office whereas pressure groups put across their concerns by influencing the public or the different sectors of society through awareness and persuasion.

Antagonism towards other pressure groups could generate instability and disorder within the system. It could be extremely despotic, which could present threat to the current libertarian state of the society or nation. In order to re-establish pluralism, the dominant group should be removed from the system or be replaced by a less domineering group having the same ideology.

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[1] Pluralism, http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9060460/pluralism