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?

    <p>Between the state and civil society</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Includes everyone, including temporary managers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of the organisational approach?

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

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

    <p>A geographically defined jurisdiction</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A permanent population</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To act as a 'referee' in society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'modern state' characterized by?

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

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

    <p>The focus on domestic or international relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of social-democratic states?

    <p>To focus on the just distribution of wealth and reduction of poverty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of collectivized states?

    <p>Common ownership of the means of production</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>An active participant to promote social justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The level of state intervention in the economy</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To attain common ownership of the means of production</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Collectivized states view the state as a positive force</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To enforce contracts and maintain domestic order</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Friedrich von Hayek and Milton Friedman</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To promote industrial growth and economic development</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>A limited institutional apparatus</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is the primary focus of totalitarian states?

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

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

    <p>Decreased separation between civil and religious authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To seize control of the state for moral and spiritual regeneration</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Fascist Italy</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They are all examples of totalitarian states</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The widening of the state's responsibilities and its role in human life</p> 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'.

    Social-Democratic States

    • 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.

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