1. Addendum to Political Sociology
Models of Politics
Addendum to Political Sociology

2. Looking Back Comparing C. Wright Mills and Parsons
Liberal versus Conservative
Functional versus Conflict Models
Distinction based on function served
Shared beliefs and values versus interests, particularly elite interests
But structurally, models were the same: functional/teleological models

3. Now: Political Sociology
Still have functional/conflict theories
Pluralist
Ruling elite
Now have two new theories with new models
Dialectical
Interactive

4. Dialectical Levels of Analysis institution organization individual
republicanism
parties
partisanship
capitalism
classes
protest

5. Functional - - + shared beliefs and values republican (or interests)
government -
external
threat

6. Interactive
constituents
authorities

7. Beyond Models
All political theories tend to focus on politics, although some root politics in culture or economics: focus
Most sociological theories today are liberal or conservative, but there are now radical theories as well
As indicated with functional model, liberals and conservatives can use this model

8. Food for Thought Dialectical models can be conservative: Hegel
Dialectical models can focus on culture: Radical Feminism
Functional models can focus on economics: Rational Choice
Can functional models be radical?
Can dialectical models be liberal?