While pluralism and Marxism are said to have developed from liberalism and socialism respectively (criticizing or developing these ideologies), thus both appearing left of left-right On an economic scale, a large part of their theories are indeed notably different, even completely opposed to each other. However, when looking closely at these theories, the only similarity, often overlooked by critics, is the fact that both offer a critique of the state despite the fact that their views are opposite. In order to understand these visions of the state, it is important to first understand the fundamental visions of pluralism and Marxism. Only then can these views be evaluated and ultimately compared with each other, thereby determining which view is most appropriate in modern society. Pluralism is essentially a theory in favor of an equitable distribution of power among individuals rather than allowing power to remain in the hands of a single individual (Heywood, 2003; Schwarzmantel, 1994; Dunleavy and O'Leary, 1987; This theory is primarily associated with Robert Dahl, who studied state behavior and the people among whom power is exercised in New Haven (Heywood, 2007; Dahl, 1961. However, some have argued that this theory is). too idealistic and that it is impossible to have an equitable distribution of power because, in reality, power is likely to be exercised only by a minority, as the elitist view requires (Heywood, 2007; Schwarzmantel, 1994). Marxism tends to focus more on the rights of the working class rather than society as a whole, as does pluralism. After all, the ideas and theories of Karl Marx are most often interpreted as criticism. of capitalism where the middle of the article ...... (2010), “Democracy in a Pluralistic World Order: Corporate Power” and Stakeholder Representation” in Ethics & International Affairs, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp 19-43McLennan, G. (1989), Marxism, Pluralism and Beyond, Cambridge: PolityMiliband, R. (1988), “Marx and the State” in Bottomore, T. (ed), Interpretations of Marx, Basil Blackwell: Oxford and New York, pp. 271-289Newman, M. (2006), “Class, State and Democracy: Laski, Miliband and the Search for a Synthesis” in Political Studies, Vol. 54, No. 2, pp 328-348Nicholls, D. (1975), The Pluralist State, London and Basingstoke: MacMillanSchwarzmantel, J. (1994), The State in Contemporary Society, Hemel Hempstead: Harvester WheatsheafSmith, M. (2006), “Pluralism” in Hay C., M. Lister and D. Marsh (eds.), The State: Theoriesand Issues, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 21-38