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This article is a critique of contemporary pluralist theory as found largely in the work of Robert A. Dahl and Charles E. Lindblom. Two different forms of pluralism are distinguished and compared critically with Marxist class analysis. Pluralism, it is argued, fails to account for the reality of political and economic inequality in the United States. As a theory, pluralism is also marked by increasing tension between the underlying values and the performance of American polyarchy. The overall result is that pluralism's utility as a description and explanation of the American political economy is called into serious doubt, and a case is made for the explanatory superiority of class analysis.

The liberal & communitarian perception of pluralism as an inevitable & desirable component of contemporary societies is explored. Pluralism is separated into three categories: cultural/national pluralism; moral/value pluralism; & pluralism based on certain structural differences (eg, race & ethnicity). An analysis of pluralism based on structural differences is performed to illustrate how such categories by themselves are inadequate foundations for models of identity. It is subsequently asserted that nationality & culture are not appropriate bases for creating identities. Consequently, a notion of pluralism based on the moral contention that the commitment to life is the seminal value of nonoppressive governments is advanced. Despite the possibility of competing moral values, it is concluded that the existence of moral truths, especially the commitment to life, must be accepted to ensure freedom. 19 References. J. W. Parker

The liberal & communitarian perception of pluralism as an inevitable & desirable component of contemporary societies is explored. Pluralism is separated into three categories: cultural/national pluralism; moral/value pluralism; & pluralism based on certain structural differences (eg, race & ethnicity). An analysis of pluralism based on structural differences is performed to illustrate how such categories by themselves are inadequate foundations for models of identity. It is subsequently asserted that nationality & culture are not appropriate bases for creating identities. Consequently, a notion of pluralism based on the moral contention that the commitment to life is the seminal value of nonoppressive governments is advanced. Despite the possibility of competing moral values, it is concluded that the existence of moral truths, especially the commitment to life, must be accepted to ensure freedom. 19 References. J. W. Parker