Exploring Power, Politics, and Authority in Society: An In-Depth Analysis
This chapter delves into the dynamics of power, politics, and authority within the state. It defines key concepts such as government, legal systems, and various institutions that constitute the state's organized framework. Theories of power, including pluralism, power elites, and feminist perspectives, are examined. Political participation trends in the U.S., highlighting socioeconomic, racial, and gender influences on voting behavior, are also discussed. Finally, the chapter reviews the military’s role in society, alongside its intersection with race and corporate interests.
Exploring Power, Politics, and Authority in Society: An In-Depth Analysis
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 19 Power, Politics, And Authority
Chapter Outline • Defining the State • Power and Authority • Theories of Power • Government: Power and Politics in a Diverse Society • The Military
The Institutions of the State Institutions comprise the state as the organized system of power and authority in society: • Government • Legal system • Police • Military
Types of Authority Weber postulated that there were three types of authority in society: • Traditional • Charismatic • Rational-legal
Political Participation • The U.S. has one of the lowest voter turnouts among democratic nations. • The higher a person’s social class, the higher the likelihood that she or he will vote. • When Black Americans are approached directly by party representatives, the likelihood that they will vote increases substantially.
Political Participation • Race, ethnicity, and gender influence political attitudes and behavior. • Women are more likely than men to identify and vote as Democrats and to have liberal views. • The gender gap is manifest in women’s views on peace keeping, gun control, and compassion issues.
Political Power: Who’s in Charge? • Most of the members of Congress are White, well educated, men from upper-middle or upper-income backgrounds. • In the Senate of the 108th Congress (convening in 2003), there are 14 women, 0 African Americans or Latinos, 2 Asian Americans, 1 Native American. • Many members of Congress are millionaires, and have large financial interests in the industries they regulate.
The Military • The function of the military is to defend the nation against external (and sometimes internal) threats. • Considered one of the most hierarchical social institutions. • There is a strong connection between the military and corporate America, through the military-industrial complex.
Race and the Military • Desegregation of the armed forces has promoted awareness among Black Americans of their right to equal opportunities. • Currently 34% of military personnel are racial Minorities – 20% African American, 8% Hispanic, and 6% other racial minorities. • African Americans and Latinos earn more in the Military, but don’t share the earnings premium of white veterans.