Pluralism Vs Elitism

This essay defines the theory of “elitism” and “pluralism” and how these two theories compare. First, this essay describes the theory of “elitism”. Then, it provides some historical events that we’ve studied in class that support the theory of “elitism” in the political process. Next, this essay describes the theory of “pluralism”. Then, it provides some historical events that we’ve studied in class that support the theory of “pluralism” in the political process. Finally, this reading response explains how these two theories compare.

Definition of “Elitism”
Elitism is a theory that describes society being “divided into the few who have power, called elites, and the many who do not, called masses” (Schubert 4). It is described as a few elites

at the top of the social structure that hold the majority of the power and control the masses beneath them.

Historical Events That Support the Theory of “Elitism” in the Political Process
Elites want to keep things the same so did Revolutionary war

Definition of “Pluralism”
Pluralism, unlike elitism, is a theory that believes “that democratic values can be preserved in a system where multiple, competing elites determine public policy through bargaining and compromise, voters exercise meaningful choices in elections, and new elites can gain access to power” (Schubert 12). Pluralism views power in the hands of the masses, not a single elite. The Pluralism theory believes that this system keeps elites from abusing their power. All citizens influence the making and administration of laws and policies by participating in arties and in elections.

Historical Events That Support the Theory of “Pluralism” in the Political Process
The US Civil Rights movement was an event that supported the theory of pluralism in the political process. The Civil Rights movement was an uprising from the people

How the Theories of “Elitism” and “Pluralism” Compare
The theories of Elitism and Pluralism both focus on the distribution of power within a democracy.