Sociology: Theories of the State

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the state according to the functionalist approach?

To deliver economic stability

To preserve the capitalist system

To maintain social order (correct)

To promote class conflict

What is a weakness of the functionalist approach's definition of the state?

It is too biased

It is too broad (correct)

It is too narrow

It is too vague

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the organisational approach's definition of the state?

The state is responsible for collective organization of social existence

The state is funded by private donations (correct)

The state is sovereign

The state is a set of public institutions

What is the primary distinction made by the organisational approach?

Between the state and civil society Signup and view all the answers

According to the organisational approach, what is the scope of the state government?

Includes everyone, including temporary managers Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of the organisational approach?

It enables the state to be seen as 'rolling back/forward' Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the state as a territorial association?

A geographically defined jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

According to the Montevideo Convention, which of the following is a requirement for a state?

A permanent population Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the state in the pluralist theory?

To act as a 'referee' in society Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'modern state' characterized by?

A confluence of three big institutions: a centralized bureaucratic state, rule of law, and representative rule/accountability structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the 'inward-looking' and 'outward-looking' faces of the state?

The focus on domestic or international relations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the state's ability to enter into relations with other states?

Capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of social-democratic states?

To focus on the just distribution of wealth and reduction of poverty Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of collectivized states?

Common ownership of the means of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the state in social-democratic states?

An active participant to promote social justice Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between social-democratic states and collectivized states?

The level of state intervention in the economy Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the Communist Party in a collectivized state?

To attain common ownership of the means of production Signup and view all the answers

How does the attitude towards the state in collectivized states differ from classical Marxism?

Collectivized states view the state as a positive force Signup and view all the answers

According to the concept of a minimal state, what is the primary role of the government?

To enforce contracts and maintain domestic order Signup and view all the answers

Which economists advocated for the minimal state, arguing that state intervention reduces competition and efficiency?

Friedrich von Hayek and Milton Friedman Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a developmental state's intervention in the economy?

To promote industrial growth and economic development Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a developmental state and a social-democratic state?

Their goal of promoting industrial growth versus broad social restructuring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a minimal state?

A limited institutional apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the New Right's approach to the state?

Pushing back the frontiers of the state to promote free market and social conservatism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of totalitarian states?

Constructing an all-embracing state that penetrates every aspect of human existence Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend observed in the modern world since the 1980s?

Decreased separation between civil and religious authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of radical religious movements in relation to the state?

To seize control of the state for moral and spiritual regeneration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a totalitarian state?

Fascist Italy Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and USSR?

They are all examples of totalitarian states Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the advance of human civilization, according to the totalitarian state perspective?

The widening of the state's responsibilities and its role in human life Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist Approach

Primary function of the state is to maintain social order and stability.
Weakness includes oversimplifying the state's role and ignoring conflict dynamics.

Organisational Approach

Characteristics lack the focus on the state's political power; distinct from functionalist perspectives.
Primary distinction revolves around the structure and functions of the state.
Scope of state government is seen as encompassing various institutions and agencies.
Benefit includes a clearer understanding of governance and administrative functions.

Territorial Association

The state is defined as a territorial association with a defined geographic area.
Montevideo Convention stipulates population, defined territory, governance, and capacity to enter relations as requirements for a state.

Pluralist Theory

Primary function of the state is to mediate between various interest groups.

The Modern State

Characterized by complex administrative structures and interactions with citizens.
'Inward-looking' deals with domestic issues, while 'outward-looking' involves international relations.
Term for the ability to engage in diplomatic relations is 'sovereignty'.

Primary goal is to promote social welfare and equality through state intervention.
Differ from collectivized states by focusing on individual rights and mixed economies.
Role involves redistributing resources and ensuring social protections.

Collectivized States

Characterized by state ownership and control over major economic sectors.
Goal of the Communist Party is to achieve a classless society through revolutionary means.
Attitude towards the state is more favorable compared to classical Marxism, which sees the state as a temporary measure.

Minimal State Concept

Primary role of the government is to provide law and order, defense, and limited regulation.
Advocates include economists like Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, who argue that state intervention hinders competition and economic efficiency.

Developmental States

Primary goal is to foster economic growth through targeted intervention and support.
Differ from social-democratic states in their stronger focus on economic strategies rather than social equity.

New Right and Totalitarianism

New Right advocates for limited state intervention with an emphasis on free-market principles.
Primary focus of totalitarian states is absolute control over political, economic, and social life.
Trends since the 1980s show a movement towards neoliberal policies and reduced state roles.
Radical religious movements aim to reshape the state according to their ideological beliefs.

Totalitarian States Comparison

Examples include Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and the USSR, characterized by centralized control and oppression.
According to totalitarian perspectives, advancement of civilization results in the subordination of individual freedoms in favor of state power.

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Description

Test your understanding of sociological theories related to the state, including the functionalist approach and neo-Marxist perspectives. Learn about the role of the state in maintaining social order and addressing class conflict. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to understanding the state.