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What is Politics? (Definition 4: Politics as Power (power = resources…
What is Politics?
Definition 4: Politics as Power
A: Agenda Setting
Bachrach & Baratz (1960s)
manipulate policy with resource
give priority to issues
keep issues off the agenda
B: Decision Making
Robert Dahl
use of resources to get their way
bullying/intimidation
resource exchange
C: Thought Control
Stephen Lukes
propaganda/spin
influence peoples values/beliefs/perceptions
most broad and potent definition
can cover public/private realms
conflict resolution in state & personal
power = resources
knowledge
skill
status
money
weapons
power is instrumental
conflict resolution
cooperation
rule setting
Leftwich theory
Covers all areas of society
Politics is in essence Power
achieve the desired outcome through whatever means.
Definition 2: Politics as compromise and consensus
resolve conflict
achieve cooperation
key factors
debate
discussion
elections
Bargaining
crucial to democratic & peaceful system
alternative
open conflict
violence
results in higher level of Compromise & consensus
additional factor
Exercise of power
Definitions
Not about the where but the how
willingness to make decisions through a process on consultation and bargaining.
Bernard Crick(1962)
a wide dispersal of power
share of power in community
politics is a solution to a problem.
Critics
does not consider authoritarian states
Putin's Russia
Pluralist view
Western Society
Definitions
System
set of rules for order
Co operation
discuss the rules to create
differing opinions or views
differing objectives or expectation
Resources are limted
Resolve conflict about wants/needs to create rules/system
Search for conflict resolution rather than the achievement
not all conflicts can be resolved.
Definition 3: Politics as Public Affairs
Distinction
Public realm
political domain
poiticians
state
courts
government
Private Realm
civil society
family
clubs/associations
business
however dependent on each other
private seeks to influence public policy
Politicians draw a line between professional conduct and their personal behaviour
Liberal theory
civil society over the state
keep politics out of private life
Definition 1: Politics as the Art of Government
Birthplace: Ancient Greece
Greece made up of city-states = Polis
Politics = affairs of state
Political philosophers: Plato & Aristotle
Modern interpretation
Modern writers
Political Scientist: David Easton
Supports this definition
politics is about those working in governments and Parliaments
the politicians exercise authority on
behalf of and with the consent of the people
politicians who have a view of differing and competing opinions within society and seek to resolve conflict and co operation
decide what the rules of society will be
Authority = legitimate power
Critics
Too narrow
Does not consider outside influence
Business sector
interest groups
Individual interest
what concerns the state
Literal meaning
Factors
How
What Force?
What Mechanisms?
Where
Confined institute?
Wider Community?
Who
Selected individuals?
Everyone?
Different individual for different issues?