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Single Idea 22852
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power
]
Full Idea
In the 1950s 'pluralism' was a common idea about power - that the concentration of power in America is not excessive because one group always balances the power of others.
Gist of Idea
The pluralist view says that power is restrained by group rivalry
Source
Steven Lukes (Power: a Radical View (2nd ed) [2005], Intro)
Book Ref
Lukes,Steven: 'Power: a radical view' [Macmillan 2005], p.2
A Reaction
[He cites Alan Wolfe's 2000 intro to C. Wright Mills] There must be something to this idea. In the UK we encourage the existence of an official opposition to the government for that reason.
The
15 ideas
from Steven Lukes
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22850
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Hidden powers are the most effective
[Lukes]
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22854
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Power is a capacity, which may never need to be exercised
[Lukes]
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22852
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The pluralist view says that power is restrained by group rivalry
[Lukes]
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22851
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In the 1950s they said ideology is finished, and expertise takes over
[Lukes]
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22853
|
Anyone who thinks capitalism can improve their lives is endorsing capitalism
[Lukes]
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22855
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One-dimensionsal power is behaviour in observable conflicts of interests
[Lukes]
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22856
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Political organisation brings some conflicts to the fore, and suppresses others
[Lukes]
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22857
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The two-dimensional view of power recognises the importance of controlling the agenda
[Lukes]
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22859
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Power can be exercised to determine a person's desires
[Lukes]
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22860
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The evidence for the exertion of power need not involve a grievance of the powerless
[Lukes]
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22858
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There is collective action, where a trend is manifest, but is not attributable to individuals
[Lukes]
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22862
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Liberals take people as they are, and take their preferences to be their interests
[Lukes]
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22861
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Power is affecting a person in a way contrary to their interests
[Lukes]
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22863
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Power is the capacity of a social class to realise its interests
[Lukes]
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21133
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Supreme power is getting people to have thoughts and desires chosen by you
[Lukes]
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