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Politics Chapter and Social Movements
by Robert Brym
Copyright 2008 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited
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INTRODUCTION
Will examine: Two type of politics Sociological theories of democracy Theoretical explanations for social movements History and future of social movements*
Copyright 2008 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited
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TERMS DEFINED
Power: Ability of an individual or group to impose its will on others, even if they resist Authority: Power widely viewed as legitimate Authorities: People who occupy command posts of legitimized power structures*
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TERMS DEFINED
Social movements: Enduring collective attempts to change part or all of social order by means of rioting, petitioning, striking, demonstrating, and establishing pressure groups, unions, and political parties Political parties: Organizations that seek to control state power*
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TWO TYPES OF POLITICS
Are two types of politics: 1. Normal politics: When authorities are firmly in power 1. Politics beyond rules: When legitimate authority grows weak*
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POWER FROM ABOVE: NORMAL POLITICS
The state: Set of institutions that formulate and carry out a countrys laws, policies, and binding resolutions In normal politics, ultimate seat of power is the state (state power widely recognized as legitimate) State also is authorized to use force (coercive power) if necessary But use of force by authorities is sign of states weakness a(should not need force Copyright 2008 by Nelson, division of Thomson Canada Limited
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THE STATE
In democratic countries like Canada, the government is formed by elected members of the political party that wins most seats in a general election Government initiates policies, proposes laws, and enforces both The government is referred to as the executive branch*
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CIVIL SOCIETY
Individuals in civil society (private sphere of life) also exercise control over the state through variety of organizations and institutions, including: Social movements Mass media Pressure groups or lobbies Political parties*
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THE INSTITUTIONS OF STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY
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POWER FROM ABOVE: NORMAL POLITICS
Are five sociological theories of democracy:
1. Pluralist theory 1. Elite theory 1. Marxist theory 1. Power-balance theory 1. State-centred theory*
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PLURALIST AND ELITE THEORIES
1. Pluralist theory: Argues normal democratic politics is characterized by compromise and accommodation of all group interests Compromise and accommodation guarantees democracy 1. Elite theory: Argues that despite compromise and accommodation, power is concentrated in higher-status groups, whose interests the political system serves best Elites are interconnected but do not form a ruling class*
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ELITIST CRITIQUE OF PLURALISM
Research undermines pluralist theory insofar as it demonstrates: Existence of large, persistent, wealth-based inequalities in political influence and political participation Disproportionately large number of political and other elites come from upper- and uppermiddle-class families Political involvement decreases with social class As political involvement declines, so does Copyright 2008 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited 12
FEDERAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTORS PER 10 000 TAX FILERS, BY INCOME AND REGION
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POLITICAL APATHY AND CYNICISM BY ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME, CANADA, 2004
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3. MARXIST THEORY
i. Instrumentalist Marxists: Argues that elites form a ruling class, one dominated by big business The state is instrument of business elite who gain control of state by: Having members of wealthy families occupy important state positions, and Having the state rely on big business for advice and financial support i. Structuralist Marxists: Argues capitalist state acts as arm of big business because it is embedded in a capitalist
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4. POWER-BALANCE THEORY
Argues that despite concentration of power in society, substantial shifts in distribution of power often occur These shifts have discernible effects on voting patterns and public policies Suggests degree to which a country is democratic depends on distribution of power between upper and lower classes A country is more democratic when power is widely distributed*
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CONTRIBUTIONS TO FEDERAL POLITICAL PARTIES BY SOURCE
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RESULTS OF 2006 CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION
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5. STATE-CENTRED THEORY
Argues that despite influence of distribution of power on political life, state structures also exert important and independent effect on politics Focuses on how the state itself structures political life independently of way power is distributed among classes and other groups Example: United States citizen-initiated voter registration law that effectively disenfranchises disadvantaged
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FIVE SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF DEMOCRACY COMPARED
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POWER FROM BELOW: POLITICS BEYOND THE RULES
Are three theories that seek to explain emergence and/or growth of social movements:
1. Relative deprivation theory 1. Resource mobilization theory 1. Frame alignment theory*
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1. RELATIVE DEPRIVATION THEORY
Argues social rebellion occurs when an intolerable gap develops between social rewards people feel they deserve and social rewards they expect to receive Social rewards include money, education, security, prestige, etc. Claims those who lead and join social movements are likely to be outsiders who lack strong social ties to community Large body of research has discredited both claims*
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2. RESOURCE-MOBILIZATION THEORY
Argues social movements emerge only when disadvantaged people are able to marshal the means necessary to challenge authority Success or failure of social movements depends largely on availability of resources Resources include jobs, money, arms, capacity to create strong social ties among themselves, and access to means of spreading their ideas Example: High level of unionization is conducive2008 bymoredivision of Thomson Canada Limited Copyright to Nelson, a strike activity because 23
WEIGHTED FREQUENCY OF STRIKES, CANADA, 1946-2000
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PERCENTAGE OF NONAGRICULTURAL WORKERS UNIONIZED, CANADA, 1945-2000
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3. FRAME ALIGNMENT THEORY
Stresses face-to-face interaction strategies employed by movement members to recruit nonmembers who are like-minded, apathetic, or even initially opposed to the movements goals Frame alignment strategies include: Reaching out to other organizations thought to contain members sympathetic to movements cause Elevating importance of positive beliefs about the movement
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HISTORY AND FUTURE OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS: THE RICH COUNTRIES
Three centuries ago, social movements typically were small, localized, and violent Subsequent growth of the state led to changes in social movements, including: Growing in size (partly due to increased literacy, modes of communication, and new densely populated social settings) Becoming less violent (size and organization often allowed movements to become sufficiently powerful to get their way without frequent resort to aextreme measures)* Copyright 2008 by Nelson, division of Thomson Canada Limited
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SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS
Were four stages in efforts to expand rights of citizens: 1. Civil citizenship: 18 century-struggle for right to free speech, freedom of religion, and justice before the law 1. Political citizenship: 19 /early 20 century struggle for right to vote and run for office 1. Social citizenship: 20 century-struggle for right to a minimum level of economic security and full participation in social life 1. Universal citizenship: Last third of 20 century struggle to recognize right of Copyright 2008 by Nelson, a division of Thomson ...