Classical Pluralism

Pluralists see society as made up of competing interest groups.

No one interest group dominates

Interest groups compete with each other for influence over decision makers

Power is shared between interest groups in society

Protective groups defend the interests of particular groups - e.g. trade unions and professional organisations

Promothional groups promote causes and issues - e.g. Greenpeace

Pluralists say that the state (the government) is the neutral arbiter between pressure groups

Pluralists see wide ranging pressure groups activity as essential for a modern democracy

Evidence

Dahl (1961)…