Political Pluralism

QUESTION: What is political pluralism?

ANSWER:

Political Pluralism -- A General Definition

Political pluralism is a participatory type of government in which the politics of the country are defined by the needs and wants of many. Political pluralism is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. This is similar to the government of the United States of America.

In our politically pluralistic society there is no majority: The basic ideas of government are seen through the ideas of individuals and groups to ensure that all the needs and wants of society are taken care of. There is no right or wrong idea: Everyone's ideas are valid.

Political Pluralism -- Effects on Modern Culture

A pluralistic culture has the following important features:

• Stable democratic principles
• Standards of life
• Consistent directives
• Vital practical democratic norms
• Skills and traditions

A politically pluralistic society develops a tolerance for divergent thinking. This means that all ideas and beliefs of the people are valid.

Political pluralism seems on the surface to be an effective form of running and governing a country: In reality, it depends on whose viewpoint you are looking at. Since there are no longer any societal norms, everybody is free to set up their own norms for running their life and their social group.

Political Pluralism -- Effects on Religion

In the interest of developing political pluralism, a country will seek to make everyone's religious viewpoints valid.

With political pluralism there is no right or wrong way to the God of the Bible. In a politically pluralistic society, it is also okay if you do not believe in the God of the Bible. On the surface this would seem to strengthen the value system because at least the people believe in something.

In the final analysis, however, the value system is no longer defined, and there are no absolutes of right and wrong. Without the absolutes of right and wrong, the politically pluralistic society will start to degrade and will soon find itself no longer in existence.