The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology

The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Sociology Book 1)

by H. Richard Uviller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	496 pages

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The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology is a comprehensive and authoritative survey of the field. It provides a critical overview of the major theoretical and empirical traditions in political sociology, and it explores the relationship between politics and other social institutions, such as the economy, the family, and religion.

Table of Contents

• Theories of Political Sociology
• Empirical Traditions in Political Sociology
• Politics and the Economy
• Politics and the Family
• Politics and Religion
• Politics and Social Change

Political sociology is the study of the relationship between politics and society. It is a relatively new field, with its roots in the late 19th century. However, it has quickly become one of the most important and dynamic areas of sociology. This is due in part to the increasing importance of politics in our lives. In today's world, politics affects everything from the economy to the environment to our personal relationships. As a result, it is more important than ever to understand the relationship between politics and society.

Theories of Political Sociology

There are a wide variety of theories of political sociology. Some of the most common include:

• Marxist theory: This theory sees politics as a reflection of the economic system. It argues that the ruling class uses the state to maintain its power and exploit the working class.
• Weberian theory: This theory sees politics as a product of social stratification. It argues that the distribution of power in society is based on the distribution of wealth, status, and education.
• Durkheimian theory: This theory sees politics as a product of social solidarity. It argues that the state is necessary to maintain social order and cohesion.

Empirical Traditions in Political Sociology

In addition to theory, political sociology also has a strong empirical tradition. This tradition involves the use of data to study the relationship between politics and society. Some of the most common empirical methods used in political sociology include:

• Surveys: Surveys are used to collect data on the political attitudes and behaviors of individuals.
• Interviews: Interviews are used to collect in-depth data on the political experiences of individuals.
• Observation: Observation is used to study political behavior in natural settings.

Politics and the Economy

One of the most important relationships in political sociology is the relationship between politics and the economy. This relationship is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, politics can affect the economy. For example, government policies can affect economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. On the other hand, the economy can also affect politics. For example, economic inequality can lead to political instability and social unrest.

Politics and the Family

Another important relationship in political sociology is the relationship between politics and the family. This relationship is also complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, politics can affect the family. For example, government policies can affect marriage, divorce, and child custody. On the other hand, the family can also affect politics. For example, families can socialize their children into politics and provide them with political resources.

Politics and Religion

The relationship between politics and religion is another important area of study in political sociology. This relationship has been a source of both conflict and cooperation throughout history. On the one hand, politics and religion can be used to justify violence and oppression. On the other hand, politics and religion can also be used to promote peace and justice.

Politics and Social Change

Finally, political sociology is also concerned with the relationship between politics and social change. This relationship is complex and dynamic. On the one hand, politics can be a force for social change. For example, governments can pass laws to promote social justice and equality. On the other hand, politics can also be a barrier to social change. For example, governments can pass laws to suppress dissent and maintain the status quo.

The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology is a comprehensive and authoritative survey of the field. It provides a critical overview of the major theoretical and empirical traditions in political sociology, and it explores the relationship between politics and other social institutions, such as the economy, the family, and religion. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in political sociology.

The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Sociology Book 1)

by H. Richard Uviller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	496 pages

FREE