Modern Approaches in Political Science

Introduction to Modern Approaches in Political Science

• Primary focus remains on the behavioral approach within the broader spectrum of modern approaches in political science.
• Consideration of post-World War II developments and the necessity for evolving perspectives in political science.
• Discussion includes the characteristics of modern approaches, David Easton's contributions, and critical assessments of behaviorism.

Modern Approaches vs. Traditional Approaches

• Traditional approaches were value-centric, often overlooking the practical operations of political systems.
• Modern approaches arose from dissatisfaction with traditional methods, spurred by significant post-World War II transformations.
• Aims to bridge the gap between ideal scenarios and reality by employing scientific methods for future predictions.
• Transition from normative (value-based) to empirical (observation-based) approaches.

Characteristics of Modern Approaches

• Conclusions are drawn from empirical data.
• Empirical data is gathered through observation and research surveys.
• Voting behavior is an example where data can be collected and analyzed.
• Analysis of voting data reveals influential factors.
• Emphasis beyond formal structures to include human behavior and socio-cultural dynamics.
• Adoption of an interdisciplinary approach, linking political science with fields like economics, sociology, and psychology.
• Application of scientific methodology to ensure objective conclusions in political inquiry.

Background of Behaviorism

• Rooted in post-World War II developments and the growing influence of American scholars in the American Political Science Association in Chicago.
• Driven by the need for new perspectives due to traditional approaches' neglect of institutional workings.
• Sparked by discontent with traditional approaches and major political shifts in colonial countries.
• Promotes interconnecting political science with other subjects.
• Shaped by the emergence of the US and USSR as superpowers, leading to the Democracy vs. Communism conflict.
• Largely developed within American society.
• Addresses the need for new theories and perspectives.
• Supported by organizational financial assistance for research, fostering new developments and perspectives.

Subject Matter of Political Science

• Scope broadened to include psychological factors affecting human behavior.
• Graham Wallace emphasized interpreting political phenomena through the lens of psychology.
• Charles Merriam of the Chicago School made significant contributions to the Behavioral Revolution.
• David Easton further advanced the behavioral approach.

Features of Behavioral Approach

• Focuses on individual behavior as the unit of analysis, rather than solely political institutions.
• Places emphasis on analyzing ongoing events instead of concentrating solely on political institutions.
• Aims to shift focus without neglecting political institutions.
• Strives for objectivity in political inquiry via measurement and qualitative data with a scientific outlook.
• Integrates an interdisciplinary approach, connecting political science with other social sciences.
• Commits to empirical theory based on observation and analysis of human behavior for imperial theory formulation.

Contribution of David Easton

• Introduced 8 characteristics of behaviorism:
  • Regularities: Identifying uniformity to address phenomena.
  • Verification: Empirically testing results and conclusions
  • Techniques: Using scientific methods and technology.
  • Quantification: Representing results with numbers and facts.
  • Values: Striving for neutrality.
  • Systematization: Conducting research inquiry step by step.
  • Pure Science: Aspiring to make political science a complete science.
  • Integration of interdisciplinary approach: Connecting with social sciences.

Criticism of Behavioral Theory

• Perceived lack of focus and emphasis on value neutrality.

Overemphasis on Quantification

• Overemphasis on data quantification may make political science irrelevant.
• Can misrepresent complex human behaviors; for example: individually varying human happiness.
• Focusing on quantifiable facts has led to ignoring the core subject matter of political science.

Value Neutrality in Humans

• Complete value-neutrality is unattainable due to environmental influences.
• Societal norms like patriarchy can influence individuals.
• Principles are not always practiced, it shows a disconnect between values and actions.

Influence of Community and Caste

• Community, caste, and religion influences voting behavior.
• Complete value neutrality is challenging in political science, complicating the application of scientific methods.

Contributions of the Behavioral Approach

• Significantly contributed to political science.
• Development of structural-functional analysis, input-output analysis, decision-making approaches, and communication models.
• Brought political science closer to individual lives, making it more scientific and events more predictable.

Explore modern approaches to political science, focusing on the behavioral approach and post-World War II developments. Understand the shift from traditional, value-based methods to empirical, observation-based studies. Examine the features of modern approaches and the contributions of David Easton.