Political Sociology

“Political Sociology” is the Study of the Social Organization of Power. Power is the ability to impose one’s will on others. Group Power (Weber’s term) is a group’s ability to do so and constitutes most political power. Power is legitimate if it is recognised by the groups under control. Legitimate power is the defining characteristic of authority. When non-authorities seek to change power structures, they engage in social movements.

Power (and Politics) Exist in Many Settings. Any setting in which force (coercion) is, or can be, used constitutes a political setting. Most authorities use force rarely to maintain order- order is achieved tacitly. Political settings in which force is rarely necessary reflect normal politics.

State Theories The State is the ultimate authority, meaning that its authority stands above all others. However, individuals in civil society also have control over the state, even in non-democratic societies. Two very different theories have evolved to address the relationship between the State and civil society:

Pluralist Theory (W. Domhoff) We live in a heterogeneous society with many competing interest and spheres of power. Thus, no one group can control the State. Politics must entail negotiation and compromise. As long as society remains pluralist, democracy is guaranteed.

Elite Theory (C Wright Mills) Elites are small groups that occupy the “command posts” of social institutions (major corporations, media, political party heads, etc). Elites’ decisions profoundly affect the lives of all others in society. Elites can make decisions without regard for elections or public opinion. Elites are connected through social bonds, but maintain unique spheres of influence.

Criticisms of State Theories Pluralist Theory: It’s naïve. It does not acknowledge serious disparities in wealth and power. Moreover, those disparities are self-perpetuating: Privilege begets privilege. Elite Theory: Elections are important and do effect changes in political structures. Election victories often happen as the result of mobilization of non-elites.

Theories of Social Movements Relative Deprivation Theory Change occurs when people feel an intolerable gap between what they think they deserve and what they expect to receive. This gap is called “relative deprivation.” “Relative deprivation” is very different from “poverty” or “absolute deprivation.” RDT has however been questioned because leaders in social movements are usually not “deprived,” relatively or otherwise.

Theories of Social Movements Resource-Mobilization Theory Social movement can only occur when the disadvantaged can marshal the resources to challenge authority. Resources include social ties, jobs, money, weapons, and publicity, among others. R-MT is mostly a description of social movements and not a “theory” per se, which makes it difficult to criticise or to evaluate.