Theories on Power/state

Theories on Power/state

1. WEBER

   • Three types of authority...
     • Traditional - custom, monarchs, patriarchy
     • Charismatic - inspired obedience, personality, message e.g. MLK
     • Legal-Rational - legal framework limits power of office-holder, become dominant, principles
   • CRITICISMS
     • More subtle types of power e.g. propaganda, media

2. MARXISM

   • MARX - state='committee for managing affairs of bourgeosie'
     • Power concentrated in hands of elite = class conflict
     • Will be a 'withering of the state' = communism
   • MILIBAND
     • state always operate to elite advantage
       • Even though it does have checks/balances
       • Gov's ensure no threat to cap. even Labour!
     • Senior politicians etc. have similar backgrounds.
   • ALTHUSSER
     • State narrowly conceived
     • Repressive state apparatus e.g. police.
       • Ideological SA - e.g. church
       • These legitimize inequalities
   • GRAMSCI
     • Ruling class has hegemony - values accepted
       • ISA makes this happen - 'bemused satisfaction' TV
   • CRITICISMS
     • Not all power based on economic wealth. Power not '0-sum'
     • Withering of state etc. not happened

3. PLUARLIST

   • Power distributed among groups
     • = power available to all!
       • Use negotiation to realise goals!
     • DAHL
       • 'making someone do something that isn't natural to them'
       • Mechanisms in place to stop influential people getting own way
   • State = neutral party, reps everyone's interests
   • CRITICISMS
     • Marx's - not accurate description
     • ELITE PLURALISTS
       • Accepts some disadvantaged groups are under-rep in key positions

4. POWER ELITE

   • Inevitable politics done by minority - gifts = leadership
     • Elite is narrow = no real choice at elections
       • Inequality in group influence - elites not challenged
     • MOSCA
       • Modern elites have organisational skills that allow that to gain power
         • Not hereditary we can all do this
         • Elites replace each other 'circulation of elites'
     • PARETO
       • Foxes and Lions
       • MILLs - certain families dominate US politics

5. FUNCTION.

   • PARSONS
     • powers = 'positive capacity for achieving positive COMMUNAL ends'
       • Power = collective resource to promote general good.
     • The more power the better!
   • ARDENT
     • Violence kills power