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A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracies

Don Coleman

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Published in POLITICAL PARTIES: A Sociological Study Of The Oligarchical Tendencies Of Modern Democracies

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Modern democracies are often hailed as the most advanced and progressive form of government. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that these democracies are increasingly becoming oligarchies, in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups.

POLITICAL PARTIES: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracies

by Robert Michels

4.3 out of 5

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This article presents a sociological study of the oligarchical tendencies of modern democracies. It examines the ways in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and the implications of this for democratic governance.

The Concentration of Power

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the concentration of power in modern democracies. These include:

The rise of the global economy has led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few corporations and individuals.
The decline of trade unions and other forms of collective action has made it more difficult for ordinary citizens to influence government policy.
The increasing use of technology by political campaigns has made it more difficult for challengers to compete with incumbents.

As a result of these factors, power has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of individuals and groups. This has led to a number of problems, including:

A decline in democratic accountability. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it becomes more difficult for ordinary citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
An increase in inequality. The concentration of power in the hands of a few often leads to an increase in inequality, as the wealthy and powerful are able to use their resources to further their own interests.
A decline in public trust. When people feel that they have no say in how their government is run, they are less likely to trust their leaders.

Implications for Democratic Governance

The oligarchical tendencies of modern democracies have a number of implications for democratic governance. These include:

A decline in the quality of democracy. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it becomes more difficult for ordinary citizens to participate in the political process and to hold their leaders accountable.
An increase in the risk of authoritarianism. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it becomes more likely that they will use their power to suppress dissent and to undermine democratic institutions.
A decline in the legitimacy of government. When people feel that their government is not representative of their interests, they are less likely to obey the law and to support the government.

The oligarchical tendencies of modern democracies are a serious threat to democratic governance. These tendencies have led to a decline in democratic accountability, an increase in inequality, and a decline in public trust. If these tendencies continue, they could lead to a decline in the quality of democracy and an increase in the risk of authoritarianism.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the oligarchical tendencies of modern democracies. These include:

Strengthening democratic institutions. This includes increasing the power of legislatures and independent judiciaries, and making it easier for citizens to participate in the political process.
Reducing the concentration of wealth. This includes raising taxes on the wealthy, closing tax loopholes, and breaking up monopolies.
Promoting collective action. This includes supporting trade unions, community organizations, and other forms of collective action that allow ordinary citizens to influence government policy.

By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that our democracies remain truly democratic and that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.

POLITICAL PARTIES: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracies

by Robert Michels

4.3 out of 5