Interest Group Representation: Pluralism vs Corporatism
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A. Pluralism: - Groups compete openly to influence governmental decisions & policy. - Specific groups do not have official preferential access.
B. Corporatism: Certain major groups are officially designated as representatives of certain interests. Example 1: Major union representing labor (ex. the European Trade Union Confederation, the TUC in UK). Example 2: Major business organizations representing capital (Business Europe in the EU, Finance Watch). - These groups have a more structured interaction with the government in power and state administration.
Pluralism & Representation
Advantages: Equal opportunity for groups to influence policy, Marketplace of ideas. Disadvantages: Collective action problem (special interest vs interests of the population at large). Important groups may be excluded from policy discussion at times, depending on election results.
Corporatism & Representation
Advantages: Ensures representation across major groups in society, regardless of government in power at any time. Can facilitate consensus and national strategy. Disadvantages: Authoritarian corporatism: states can co-opt groups. No "arm's length" relations: can lead to cronyism and elitism: can impede reform & adaptation over time.