Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Pluralism in domestic politics

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Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Pluralism

It is difficult to give specific definition to pluralism because it consists of various ideas that are constantly changing together with the different societies. Pluralists consider the individual as the most important element in the society and protecting of his rights is fundamental characteristic of the theory.  Locke points out that all people are created equal and their prerogative is to follow and maintain a moral code based on peace and equality (Laslett 1991).  

This essay will try to explore the different aspects of the pluralist theory and will attempt to explain to what extent the theory could be applied to practice. It will try to examine the flaws and the strengths of the theory in relation to different types of human nature and historic developments.

The essay will conclude with arguments that suggest, that pluralism is the most advanced theory to attempt to examine and to affect the constantly evolving relations between individuals and states.

Maybe the most problematic aspect of every theory including pluralism is the question about human nature. Locke portrays the individual as self aware, positive and independent minded. He creates an image of a righteous and strong person whose nature is generally peaceful, but whenever his freedom is threatened by an aggressor he “may destroy a man who makes war upon him” (Laslett 1991:279).  His ideas outline radical distinction between good and bad, and describe a fundamental characteristic of the human nature, which is the will to freedom and independence.  Even Machiavelli points out that a conquered city needs to be destroyed because “such a city justifies itself by calling on the name of liberty and its ancient institutions, never forgotten despite the passing of time and the benefits received from the new ruler” (Machiavelli 1995: 16). He also says ”there is no surer way of keeping possession than by devastation”.  

Locke’s idea of “State of perfect equality” (Laslett 1991: 272) together with his condemnation of aggression as ”The injury and the crime is equal, whether committed by the wearer of a crown or some petty villain” (Laslett 1991: 385) portrays a modern individual who considers himself equal to everyone and judges people by the way they affect other people’s lives, rather than their social status. Perhaps the first strength of the pluralist theory is this image it creates of human nature and the role of the individual in the society. It is an image that challenges the perceptions of the individual of himself and the society he lives in. Hobbes has a different view on human nature, it seems that to him it is something static, which could be described in explicit detail (Hobbes 1979).

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The strength of the pluralist theory is that it does not seem to attempt to explain human nature but to have an impact on it, to focus on its positive side. And the impact that Locke’s ideas had on the American constitution is a good sign that a major characteristic of human nature is that the individual can learn, change and progress.

The constant evolution of human nature has led to the development of a complicated structure of groups of individuals who have different roles in the societies they live in. Pluralists consider the competing interests of these groups ...

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