Chapter 13

Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective

Chapter Outline

Politics Power and Authority Political Systems in Global Perspective Perspectives on Power and Political Systems The U.S. Political System Economic Systems in Global Perspective Work in the Contemporary United States Politics and the Economy in the Future

Politics, Power and Authority

Politics is the social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some people and groups.

Power is the ability of persons or groups to achieve their goals despite opposition from others.

Authority is power that people accept as legitimate rather than coercive.

Ideal Types of Authority

Traditional - kings, queens, pharaohs, emperors, and religious dignitaries

Charismatic – politicians, soldiers, or entertainers

Rational–legal -elected or appointed government officials and by officers in a formal organization.

Political Systems in Global Perspective

Political institutions first emerged when agrarian societies acquired surpluses and developed social inequality.

When cities developed, the city-state became the center of political power.

Nation-states emerged as countries developed geographic territories and acquired the ability to defend their borders.

Nation-states

Approximately 190 nation-states currently exist throughout the world.

Today, everyone is born, lives, and dies under the auspices of a nation-state

Four main types of political systems are found in nation-states: monarchy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and democracy.

Functionalist Perspectives: Pluralist Model

Assumes people have a consensus on central issues and the government serves functions that other institutions can’t.

The functions of government: – maintain law and order– plan and direct society– meet social needs– handle international relations, including warfare.

Conflict Perspectives: Elite Models

Power in political systems is in the hands of a small group of elites and the masses are relatively powerless.

Decisions are made by the elites, who agree on the basic values and goals of society.

The needs and concerns of the masses are not often given full consideration by the elite.

Perspectives on Economy and Work

Functionalism - economy is the means by which goods and services are produced and distributed.

Conflict - capitalist economy is based on greed.

Symbolic Interactionists - focus on the social organization of work and its effects on workers attitudes and behaviors.

Purpose of a Political Party

Develop and articulate policy positions. Educate voters about issues and simplify the

choices for them. Recruit candidates who agree with those

policies, help them win office, hold them responsible for implementing the party’s positions.

Voter Apathy

At most, 10% of the voting-age population participates at a level higher than voting.

Over the past 40 years, less than half the voting-age population has voted in nonpresidential elections.

In many other Western nations, the average turnout is 80 to 90% of all eligible voters.

Why Eligible Voters Don’t Vote

Conservative argument: People are satisfied with the status quo, are apathetic

and uninformed and lack an understanding of the basic processes of government.

Liberal argument: People feel alienated from politics due to political

corruption and influence peddling by special interests and large corporations.

Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election

Republican Democrat

Gender Men 52% 43%

Women 43 54

Race/Ethnicity

Whites 53 42

African Americans 8 90

Latinos/as 32 64

Asian Americans 38 57

Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election

Republican Democrat

Sexual Orientation

Gay, lesbian, bisexual

26 67

Age 18–29 45 48

30–44 48 48

45–59 49 47

60 and older 51 23

Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election

Republican Democrat

Education Did not graduate from high school

39 59

High school graduate

49 48

Some college 50 45

College graduate 49 46

Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election

Republican Democrat

Region Eastern U.S. 39 56

Midwest 49 47

Southern U.S. 52 45

Western U.S. 45 48

Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election

Republican Democrat

Family Income

Under $15,000 37 57

$15,000–$29,999 41 53

$30,000–$49,999 46 49

Over $50,000 51 46

Capitalism

Four distinctive features:

1. Private ownership of the means of production.

2. Pursuit of personal profit.

3. Competition.

4. Lack of government intervention.

Socialism

Three distinctive features:

1. Public ownership of the means of production.

2. Pursuit of collective goals.

3. Centralized decision-making.

Five Characteristics of Professions

1. Abstract, specialized knowledge.

2. Autonomy.

3. Self regulation.

4. Authority.

5. Altruism.

Types of Unemployment

Cyclical - result of lower rates of production during recessions.

Seasonal - result of shifts in the demand for workers based on holidays.

Structural - skills needed by employers do not match skills of unemployed.