Midterm 2 Flashcards
Political Sociology
empirical study of the way social and economic factors affect power and politics`
Theory of Divine Right of Kings
-God selected the King, who we respect because we respect God
Social Contract Theory
-We obey because we consent to a government - Thomas Hobbes, John Locke
Power (Macht)
-any ability to get your way, including violence or money even if complying parties are unwilling
Domination (Herrschaft)
-Probability that others accept commands as valid. Complying parties are consenting
Legitimate Authority
-A reason or motive for obedience: Rational (Legal), Traditional, Charismatic
Rational (Legal) Authority
-legal rational process such as voting
Traditional Authority
-Tradition makes this person the authority such as a hereditary monarch
Charismatic
-This person inspires people to obey with their vision / personality (hitler)
Political Culture
-Broad set of beliefs and values generally held by a country/political entity (America loves guns)
-Associated with Seymour Lipset
Social Exchange Theory
People make the best decisions for themselves, which has formed the authority that exists. Social order is produced by self-interested individuals.
Associated with George Homans
Discourse Ethics
Perspective on morality based on communication. The ideal society is one with free speech.
Associated with Jurgen Habermas
Types of Government (Good/Bad)
The one: (monarchy/tyranny)
The few: (Aristocracy/Oligarchy)
The many: (Constitutional Government/Democracy)
Liberalism
Government is authorized by the consent of the individuals governed
Democracy
Rule by ‘the people’. The will of the People outweighs the needs of the few
Dominant Ideology
Worldview of dominant group - status quo
Reformist Ideology
Suggests small changes that can lead to larger societal changes over time
Counter/Radical Ideology
Questions the base of dominant ideology
Base/Superstructure Model
Marxist model of society claiming institutions are just a superstructure that depends on the underlying ‘base’
Modernization
Transition from traditional to industrial economies
Associated with Barrington Moore
Class of the dominant group determined how societies turned out (large peasant class in Russia lead to communism)
(Ideological) Hegemony
Gramsci’s term for intellectual and ideological control of society by the dominant class. (University encourages us to get a job and work for those in power)
Legitimate Violence
Max Weber’s term for violence by the state (police, military) The state has a monopoly on legitimate violence
Exception
Situation that cannot be covered by law, as it was not foreseen
Friend/Enemy Distinction
Schmit: groups will only survive if they can identify their enemies who could potentially destroy them
Populism
Political movements that claim to speak for the people, often against elites. Us vs them
Myth
Georges Sorel - creating an existential threat (real or not) Us vs Them
Manichaeism
Frantz Fanon - Tendency to view the world as good vs evil
Secularization
Development of non-religious states - removing religion from politics and public life
Talal Asad - modern states vs the world. Modern states are rational while other countries are frantic and religious and backwards
Nation
Idealistically unified image of society - national identity. Belonging to a unit (Canadian)
Nations can have states within them
Nation-State
Ruling institution over an ethnic/cultural group
The State
The whole set of institutions responsible for regulation social relations and steering society as a whole