Theoretical frameworks in political sociology

¶ … Political Sociology

Pluralism represents in the general sense, the affirmation and acceptance of diversity. The concept is used, often in different ways, in many domains. In politics, the affirmation of diversity in the interests and beliefs of the citizens, is one of the most important features of modern democracy. In science, the concept often describes the view that several methods, theories or points-of-view are legitimate or plausible. This attitude it could be a key factor to scientific development. The term pluralism is also used, in several different senses, in the context of religion concerning peaceful relations between different religions, and in philosophy is regarded as a marketplace of ideas.

For pluralism to function and to be successful in defining the common well, all groups need to agree to a minimal consensus regarding shared values, which relates the different groups to society. They also share some rules, used especially in terms of conflict.

The most important value is that of mutual respect and tolerance, so that different groups can coexist and interact without anyone being forced to assimilate to anyone else's position in conflicts that will naturally arise out of diverging interests and positions. These conflicts can only be resolved durably by dialogue which leads to compromise and to mutual understanding.

The power-elite model is a sociological analysis of politics based on social-conflict theory that sees power as concentrated among the wealthy. The term "power elite," coined in 1956 by social-conflict theorist C. Wright Mills, is used to represent members of the upper class, who, he argued, control the majority of a society's wealth, power, and prestige. The power elite is composed of men whose positions enable them to transcend the ordinary lives of ordinary men and women; they have the capacity to make decisions having major consequences.

The Power Elite (1956) describes the relationship between political, military, and economic elite (people at the pinnacles of these three institutions), noting that these people share a common world view: 1) the "military metaphysic"- a military definition of reality, possess 2) "class identity"- recognizing themselves separate and superior to the rest of society, have 3) interchangeability: the move within and between the three institutional structures and hold interlocking directorates 4) cooptation/socialization: of prospective new members is done based on how well they "clone" themselves socially after such elite.

The United States represents the ideal place for the developing of the elite power. The way to understand the power of the American elite lies neither solely in recognizing the historic scale of events nor in accepting the personal awareness reported by men of apparent decision. Behind such men and behind the events of history, linking the two, are the major institutions of modern society. Within American society, major national power now resides in the economic, the political, and the military domains.