Understanding Pluralism in Society

Understanding Pluralism and Plural Societies

• A plural society, according to J.S. Furnival, is one where two or more groups coexist separately within the same state.
• Each group maintains its own religion, culture, language, and lifestyle.
• Interaction occurs primarily in the economic realm (e.g., buying and selling) due to the need to survive economically.
• Rabushka and Shepsle describe plural societies as characterized by cultural diversity (race, language, religion), organized communities, and racial conflict.
• Baytoram Ramharack similarly emphasizes cultural diversity, organized communities, and prominent racial conflict as defining characteristics.

Origin and Adaptation of the Term Pluralism

• The term "pluralism" was initially coined by J.S. Furnivall to describe colonial and post-colonial societies like Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia (then Dutch East Indies), and the Javanese.
• Later theorists adapted the term to describe various multi-ethnic, cultural, religious, and political contexts, including the post-colonial Caribbean.
• The term can also describe societies with diverse ethnic and class divisions.
• It's associated with democratic governance models where political arenas function as marketplaces for resolving competing interests of individuals, groups, and classes.

Characteristics of Plural Societies

• Single Sovereign Political Authority: While unified externally, plural societies internally comprise distinct groups maintaining separate cultural practices. They may utilize unitary or federal governing structures.
• Colonial History: These societies were initially held together by external colonial powers. After decolonization, competition for dominance or 'hegemony' emerged between groups within the formerly colonized area.
• Exclusive Ethnic Politics: Political participation frequently centers on ethnic lines in these states.
• Significant Cultural Diversity: Groups display variations in culture, though individuals may remain within their own cultural groups, rather than interacting with each other or mingling.
• Racial and Cultural Conflict: The potential for significant conflicts between groups and a lack of overarching cultural unity are prominent.
• Heterogeneity and Incompatibility: Significant divisions between societal segments may be so deep as to pose a challenge to maintaining a unified society.
• Dominant Demographic Minorities: The dominance of particular cultural groups can be very apparent.
• Interdependence in the Marketplace: Economic activities create a reliance between different groups, despite cultural differences.

Implications for Democracy

• Excessive demands and reliance on the use of force can undermine democratic governance in plural societies, especially when power is concentrated in the hands of a particular ethnic group.
• The allocation of public resources benefits the dominant ethnic or majority group potentially at the expense of the minority and can create a type of “tyranny”
• Ethnicity can serve as a justification for violating the rights of access to public resources and, thereby, threaten the non-excludability of public goods.

Solutions for Plural Societies

• Consensus Approach: Modernization and national integration are seen as essential for overcoming societal divisions.
• Authoritarian Measures: In some cases, strong leadership and enforcing common national values are suggested as pathways to maintaining unity.
• Military Control: A focus on establishing unity via military strength.
• Consociationalism/Consociational Democracy: A method of government where elite groups share power, emphasizing cooperation and representation of segments of society.

Consociationalism/Consociational Democracy

• Government by elite groups or organizations with the goal of turning fragmented democracies into stable ones.
• Politics hinges on the cooperation and shared power of elite leaders representing major segments of society.
• This approach seeks to address potential conflicts in fragmented societies.

Features of Consociationalism

• Grand Coalition: Joint governance among elites of all significant sectors of society.
• Segmental Autonomy: Decision-making is delegated to specific segments based on the extent to which that segment can run itself.
• Proportionality: Represents fairness in political representation, allocation of resources, and other positions (i.e., appointments to public office, public funds, etc).

Necessary Characteristics of Consociational Elites

• Accommodation: Ability to meet diverse interests and demands of various groups.
• Transcendence: Collaborate with elites from opposing groups for common societal goals.
• Commitment to Stability: Prioritize maintaining a cohesive society.
• Awareness of Fragmentation Dangers: Recognizing the risk of division.

Favorable Conditions for Consociationalism

• Similar sized cultural groups
• Multi-party system is established
• Smaller population size
• Support for power-sharing from segments of society and among elites
• Traditions of political compromise
• Distinct cultural segments
• Absence of extreme socio-economic inequalities

Merits of Consociationalism

• Power-Sharing & Inclusivity: Promotes broader participation in decision-making.
• State Legitimacy: Decision-making gains acceptance due to broader representation and thus more people feel the government “legitimately” serves them.
• Maintaining Unity: A method to manage conflicts and preserve the unity of a diverse society.

Demerits of Consociationalism

• Elite Pretense: Possibility of elitist manipulation masking other agendas.
• Increased Fragmentation: Features of consociationalism, such as autonomy and minority veto, can exacerbate divisions.
• Lack of Institutionalization: Although consociational principles may be supported by legislation, they are rarely enshrined constitutionally.