27. What are the meanings of elitism and pluralism?

[Answer] Elitism: As a systematic thought, elitism was put forward by some western thinkers at the end of 19 and the beginning of the 20th century. Classical elite rule theory holds that no matter in monarchy, aristocracy or democracy, their similarities are ruled by a few people or elites. Because these elites have higher ruling ability and quality. The power base of elites is not necessarily economic relations, but military strength, clergy status and professional expertise can also be the basis of political rule. The reason why elites lose power is that they have not absorbed new social forces from the system. The core of elite rule is the relationship between elite and social class. The theory of democratic elite rule (represented by Schumpeter) is a mixed theory of elitism and pluralism. It is believed that although there are competitive political groups in modern western pluralistic politics, the competition among political groups is also the competition among elite rulers (leaders) within the group. Both classical elite rule theory and democratic elite rule theory obliterate the class essence of rule. Pluralists believe that elitism underestimates the ability of political autonomy and mutual control of social groups in western countries. In a real country, the sovereignty of the country is owned by oligarchs or shared by many interest groups. As a political system, the practical significance of democracy is multi-head politics, and power is shared by many autonomous groups. Social groups gain control of the country through constant competition and compromise, but no one can monopolize state power. Pluralists regard the political rule of the state as fair arbitration, and the state is the trustee, tool and agent of the whole society. Its essence, like elitists, denies the class nature of political rule and denies that the state is actually a tool of class rule. [Analysis and Prompt] Both elitism and pluralism are non-Marxist theories. Although they all have their reasonable aspects, they all fundamentally deny the essence of rule, that is, class rule. [Related Thinking] The new Marxist ruling theory: it is a liberal socialist trend of thought that has gradually emerged since the 1960s.