Dealing with Difference: Four Models of Pluralist Politics

Parliamentary Affairs, Vol. 53, pp. 198-217, 2000

20 Pages Posted: 19 Jan 2010

See all articles by Richard Bellamy

Richard Bellamy

University College London - Department of Political Science

Date Written: January 18, 2010

Abstract

Pluralism of ideals, interests and identities are inescapable features of contemporary polities. Such pluralism makes politics necessary whilst sometimes rendering it virtually impossible. This article examines four models of pluralist politics. The first tries to abstract from people's differences and find neutral ground in a liberal constitution. The second seeks a modus vivendi between competing interest groups. The third employs group rights to separate the various sources of pluralism into more or less homogenous units. The fourth gives voice to and recognises the different ideals, interests and identities of individuals and groups, whilst encouraging the negotiation of fair accommodations between them in ways that sustain and even reshape, but do not destroy, political community.

Keywords: Pluralism, Democracy, Liberalism, Culture, Compromise

Suggested Citation

Bellamy, Richard, Dealing with Difference: Four Models of Pluralist Politics (January 18, 2010). Parliamentary Affairs, Vol. 53, pp. 198-217, 2000 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1538464

Richard Bellamy (Contact Author)

University College London - Department of Political Science ( email )

Gower Street
London
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/browse/profile?upi=RBELL43

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
368
Abstract Views
1,899
Rank
148,531
PlumX Metrics