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1.Political
science
The term
political science is the systematic study of the state and the government
Political Science is a social science
regarding the practice and theory of politics, the analysis of political
Systems, and the study of political behavior
• According to
Greek Philosopher Aristotle, "Political Science is the master of all
sciences”
It is believed
that the term politics is derived from the word Polis the exact meaning of
which is city-state. In ancient Greece, polis or the city state was the most
popular and general form of political organization.
In today's world
by politics, we generally mean the activities associated with the governance of
a country or area. So Political science basically is the study of state,
government and politics.
But it is also
proved that Political science is not only the study of government and state but
also it is the application of empirical theory and scientific methods to the
analysis of political matters.
And it also deals
with political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes and
behaviors, as well as groups, classes, government, diplomacy, law, strategy,
and so on.
METHODOLOGY OF
POLITICAL SCIENCE
In recent times,
there is fresh thinking on the methodology of political science and special
contributions have been made by such authorities as Max Weber, John Dewey,
Felix Kaufmann, Leo Strauss, Eric Voegelin and Karl Popper.
EXPERIMENTAL
METHOD
Experimental
method is regarded as the most popular and the best-suited mthod for natural
sciences. This method is generally adopted while dealing with natural and
physical sciences.
The Historical
Method
In the words of
Sir Frederick Pollock, “The historical method seeks an explanation of what THE
institutions are and are tending to be, more in the knowledge of what they have
been and how they came to be what they are, than in the analysis of them as
they stand. While using the historical method, we must take certain
precautions. We should be altogether objective or scientific in our outlook.
THE COMPARATIVE
METHOD
In the words of
Vernon Dyke, “The comparative method consists of identifying similarities and differences.
The very essence of this method lies in comparing different historical facts
and political events with a view to finding the causes responsible for them.
THE PHILOSOPHICAL
METHOD
Some of the
advocates of the philosphical method are Plato, Rousseau, Hegel, Bradley,
Bosanquet, Kant, J.S. Mill and Sidgwick. The philosophical method is
speculative and deductive in nature. We begin with certain assumptions and
determine institutions which can best realise them.
STATISTICAL OR
QUANTITATIVE METHOD
This is one of
the most modern and most useful methods for dealing with political phenomena
and hence it is very popular these days. This method is particulary applied to
the study of political parties, public opinion, comparative governments and
international relations.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
METHOD
This is one of
the most modern methods of dealing with political phenomena. This method has
been recently employed by many writers to explain political phenomena through
psychological laws. While making laws, the state pays due regard to the
possible reaction of the public. It also gives due consideration to public
reaction to the legislation to be passed by the government.
JURIDICAL METHOD
The most
favourite method of studying political phenomena among German political writers
is the juridical method which aims at determining the contents of the rules of
public law and drawing therefrom conclusions to which they lead.
SOCIOLOGICAL
METHOD
This method
regards the state chiefly as a social organism, which has the qualities of the
individuals forming it. Like the life of the individual, the life of the state
is studied by the application of the theory of evolution. This method explains
the origin, growth, structure and activities of the state in terms of the
physical and psychical causes working together in a process of evolution.
OBSERVATIONAL
METHOD
The method of
observation was first adopted by Plato and Aristotle. The method of observation
must be used with caution.
Functions of political parties
Political party:
A political party is made up of a specific group of people who came together to
compete with each other to run a government that will be better able to take
care of the needs of the country. However, in today’s political climate,
political parties are also vying to have a significant share of power in
running the government. It allows voters to express themselves and promote
common interests and goals in the country. Every political party must have the
following components:
§ Leader: This person has the primary responsibility
for all the activities that the party carries out.
§ Active members: People who have the
responsibility of choosing their leader.
§ Followers: People who can support, volunteer,
donate and vote for party candidates.
The scope of political science
1. A Study of Political Theory
Political theory involves exploring different ideas about how societies
should be organized and governed. It delves into questions about justice,
rights, and the role of the state. For example, the debate over whether
healthcare is a right or a privilege reflects political theory. Political
theorists might analyze philosophical arguments to discuss whether the
government should ensure healthcare for all citizens.
2. A Study of Comparative Politics
Comparative politics examines and compares the political systems of
different countries to understand how they operate and affect society. For
instance, comparing the presidential system of the U.S. with the parliamentary
system of the United Kingdom helps highlight how the structure of government
can influence policy making and political participation.
3. A Study of the State and Government
This scope focuses on understanding the organization, history, and
functioning of states and governments. It looks at how governments are formed,
the principles they are based on, and how they evolve over time. An example is
studying the U.S. Constitution to understand the foundational laws and
principles that govern the United States.
4. A Study of Political Institutions
Political institutions include legislatures, executive agencies, courts,
and other entities that play a role in governance. Studying political
institutions involves looking at how these bodies are structured, how they
function, and their role in the political system. For example, analyzing how
the U.S. Congress passes laws reveals the complex processes and interactions
between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
5. A Study of Adjustment of the Individual with the State
This area examines how individuals and groups interact with the state and
participate in political life. It considers issues of citizenship, rights, and
responsibilities. An example is exploring how voting laws affect citizens'
ability to participate in elections, thereby illustrating the relationship
between individual rights and state regulations.
6. A Study of International Relations and International Law
International relations focus on how countries interact with each other,
including diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation on global issues like trade and
environmental protection. International law studies the rules and agreements
that govern these interactions. An example is examining the Paris Agreement on
climate change to understand how international law seeks to address global challenges
through cooperation between states.
Conclusion
Each of these scopes
provides a unique lens through which to view and analyze the complex world of
politics. From the theoretical foundations of governance to the practical
workings of political institutions and the dynamics of international relations,
political science offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the forces
that shape our world. By studying these different areas, students of political
science gain insights into the mechanisms of power, governance, and human
rights, and how they interact on both a national and international level.
Relationship between SW and political science
differences between political science and social work in simple terms:
· Focus:
o Political Science: Focuses on governments,
political behaviors, and policies. It looks at how countries are run and how
decisions are made that affect everyone.
o Social Work: Focuses on helping
individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being. It deals
with providing support and services to those in need.
·
Approach:
o Political Science: Uses theories and
analysis to understand political systems and the impact of political decisions
on society. It's more about studying and understanding.
o Social Work: Uses a hands-on approach
to directly help people solve their problems. It's more about doing and
helping.
·
Goals:
o Political Science: Aims to understand and
sometimes improve how political systems work. It's interested in the big
picture of how societies are organized and governed.
o Social Work: Aims to improve the
lives of individuals and communities, especially those who are vulnerable or
disadvantaged. It's focused on the personal well-being of people.
·
Methods:
o Political Science: Often involves analyzing
data, studying documents, and comparing political systems. It's about research
and theory.
o Social Work: Involves working
directly with people, providing counseling, and connecting people with
resources. It's about practice and action.
·
Education:
o Political Science: Students learn about
political theories, international relations, political systems, and policy
analysis.
o Social Work: Students learn about
human behavior, social welfare policies, case management, and therapeutic
techniques.
·
Outcome:
o Political Science: Graduates might work in
government, policy analysis, academia, or journalism, focusing on political
issues.
o Social Work: Graduates typically work
in non-profits, schools, hospitals, or government agencies, focusing on helping
people navigate social services
Political science and social work are two
fields that might seem different at first glance, but they actually share a
close relationship and often work together to improve people's lives. Let's
break down how they are connected:
1.
Helping
Communities: At the core
of both fields is a desire to help communities and make society a better place.
Social workers are directly involved with individuals, families, and groups to
solve problems and improve well-being. Political scientists study how policies and
government decisions impact society, which can inform better laws and programs
that social workers use to help people.
2. Influencing Policies: Social workers often see firsthand the
challenges and issues faced by communities, such as poverty, discrimination, or
lack of access to healthcare. They can share these insights with politicians
and policymakers, who rely on political science to understand how to create
effective and fair policies. Together, they can work to bring about positive
changes that directly impact people's lives.
3. Advocacy: Both fields are involved in advocacy work.
Social workers advocate for the rights and needs of individuals and
communities, pushing for changes that will benefit them. Political scientists
might study the effectiveness of different advocacy strategies or analyze the
political climate to find the best way to advocate for change. This information
can help social workers be more effective in their advocacy efforts.
4. Understanding Society: Social work and political science both
require a deep understanding of society and how different factors like economy,
culture, and politics affect individuals and communities. This shared
foundation means that professionals in both fields can collaborate and share
knowledge to better understand complex social issues.
5. Community Development: Both fields are involved in developing and
implementing programs that aim to improve community well-being. Political
science provides insights into how government and non-governmental
organizations can work together, while social work focuses on meeting the
community's needs through these programs.
6. education and Awareness: Both fields play crucial roles in educating
the public and raising awareness about social issues. Political science can
provide the theoretical understanding and historical context behind societal
problems, while social work brings light to these issues from a practical,
on-the-ground perspective. This combination of knowledge helps in designing
more effective awareness campaigns and educational programs.
7. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Research is a fundamental aspect of both
political science and social work. Political scientists conduct research to
understand the effects of policies and political systems on different
populations. Social workers use research findings to apply evidence-based
practices in their interventions. When these research efforts are combined,
they can lead to more informed decisions about policy and practice that
directly improve social conditions.
8. Crisis Response: In times of crisis, such as natural
disasters, political unrest, or public health emergencies, the fields of
political science and social work intersect significantly. Political scientists
analyze the crisis in the context of governance and policy response, while
social workers are often on the front lines, providing support and services to
affected individuals. Together, they contribute to a comprehensive approach to
crisis management and recovery.
9. Empowerment and Participation: Both fields aim to empower individuals and
communities, encouraging active participation in societal processes. Social
work focuses on empowering marginalized or disadvantaged groups by providing
the tools and support they need to improve their situations. Political science
studies mechanisms of participation and representation in democracy, exploring
how to create more inclusive and participatory political systems. This shared
goal of empowerment ensures that more voices are heard in the political
process, leading to more equitable and just societies.
10.Global Perspectives: In an increasingly globalized world, the
relationship between political science and social work extends beyond local and
national boundaries to include international issues. Political science offers
insights into international relations, global governance, and the impact of
globalization on local communities. Social work, in turn, applies these
insights to address global social problems, such as migration, human
trafficking, and international development. Together, they contribute to global
efforts aimed at improving human rights and social justice.
In
simple terms, political science and social work are like two hands working
together to lift society up. Political science helps us understand the big
picture of how society operates and how changes can be made through policies
and laws. Social work focuses on the individual pieces of the puzzle, helping
people navigate their lives within that big picture. Together, they aim to
create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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