What are the major weaknesses of the pluralist theory of state?

Authors Avatar by chiliman91 (student)

What are the major weaknesses of the pluralist theory of the state?

Within the pluralist theory of state the government is seen to be a mediator between a number of agents in which ‘numerous competing interest groups exert strong influence over a responsive government’ These interest groups consist of businesses, trade unions, charities, churches or any other representative body. This essay will examine the major weaknesses of this theory.  

In many ways the pluralist theory of state holds much in common with the theory of democratic elitism, whereby “the best interest of a free people, of civilization itself, depends upon the ability of the gifted to command the deference of the many for the well-being of all”. Both theories seek the more efficient route of democracy, through giving the elite power or by granting agents the ability to influence government policy. In contrast, classical democracy, by which every member of society is treated as a political equal regardless of whether they have the knowledge or skill necessary, is not achieved. However having a number of organisations/pressure groups (pluralism) does not transcend into total participation of citizens, ordinary people become isolated from the political process as it is left to only those who can effectively organize themselves, perhaps leading to a loss of faith in government. Indeed, for Mosca and Michels it is the ability of interest groups (agents) to organize themselves effectively that separates the elite from the masses, thus giving them control of society. This loss of confidence can be interpreted via voter turnout at elections, with only 61% of the electorate voting in the 2005 General Election Whilst this is a weakness of the pluralist theory, it can be argued that this approach to democracy is unsuitable within the context of modern society, where populations have grown too large, rendering regular voting on issues an inefficient means of legislating. It seems stronger weaknesses lie within the way government is influenced by the agents.

The term ‘interest group’ suggests an agenda is being actively fought for, but it is not necessarily clear whether this interest is for the benefit of society or for the sole benefit of the individuals involved. Labour MP John McDonnell describes how the British Airport Authority influenced decisions to aid in the campaign for a third runway at Heathrow, as well as gaining tax exemptions from fuel and climate change impacts.  

Join now!

“The Heathrow campaign is increasingly exposing the existence in Britain of a corporate political complex. The interests of big corporations have so permeated government that its major decisions are indistinguishable from the boardroom demands of the leading companies in each commercial sector.”

This shows how a private business can influence government towards creating or changing policies which benefit them only, and even suggests that interest groups apart from business have little impact, something which I will look at in greater detail shortly.

Although within the UK lobbying is an established regulated function of government it ...

This is a preview of the whole essay