Compare, contrast and evaluate two theories of the distribution of power in modern states - Essay Example

The theory further establishes the point of view that Bourgeoisie are referred to as the class which rules, this means that they control the capitalist society in an indirect manner, such activities are evident in nations such as United Kingdom and other government institutions such as the cabinet, army police, criminal justice system, media and industries that have been nationalized. The early theory of the 19th century proposed by Marx was quite consistent with the era of 19th century because during that period aristocrats were dominating the society, there was limited amount of adult suffrage, voice of the labor was weak due to weak trade unions and parties that represented the workers did not exist (BRACKETT, 2010, p.85). Due to this scenario the working class had little to no say in the decision making process.

During the 20th century, theories proposed by Marx started loosing its ground because scenario changed and trade unions gained power, universal suffrage had been initiated and parties supporting the working class were formed (CAMPBELL, 2011, p. XVII). During the 20th century, the importance of the managers was realized, owners had lost control over organization’s decision making process and the aristocratic class had lost power and the way the political power was distributed was easy to understand under the light of Democratic pluralist theory (BLOKLAND, 2011).

Still during the period 1960s, certain ideas proposed by Marx were present and his theory was once again revived in society by Miliband who tried to make Marx’s theory of ruling class acceptable during the period of 1960s (GAMBLE, 1999, p.178). Miliband stated that the theories proposed by Marx of capitalism have not died and are still witness able in the era of 19th Century and the theories of democratic pluralism and post capitalism were not correct and were not consistent with the 19th century (BRACKETT, 2010, p.85). According to this Marxists the capitalist class might have lost its power but is not out of the race for power, they have lost a little bit of power to the trade unions and workers party but still have more power than these two groups.

He further went on to state that a particular state is controlled and governed by several elites within the society such as the civil service, military, judicial and the political elites but the way these elites were making decisions clearly reflected that they were highly influenced by the ruling class and were clearly making decisions in accordance to the decision making style of the ruling class. Miliband further states that the capitalist class is still the one who rule the decision making process and they do so by joining the government and making decisions and policies that benefits the business community and they are located in those positions of the government that have ample amount of authority.

The capitalist classes are those who have gained education from top most universities such as Oxford and Cambridge universities and have been taught in a manner that is in favor of capitalism, due to this they make decisions that favor capitalism (WEBSTER, 2007, p.118). Miliband further