The Science of Society (RLE Social Theory) by Stephen Frederick Cotgrove

Author:Stephen Frederick Cotgrove [Cotgrove, Stephen Frederick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Sociology, General, Rural, Social Theory
ISBN: 9781000155822
Google: g2LyDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2020-07-26T05:02:47+00:00

The political system and culture

Whatever differences there may be between political parties in England, and however bitter the conflict between them may at times be, such conflict is acted out within the framework of agreed rules and procedures. Moreover, it is conflict over a limited range of disagreements, and takes place against a background of substantial consensus over a range of values and beliefs. A high degree of consensus clearly limits the areas of conflict. Moreover, consensus on the norms regulating political activity institutionalizes the modes of conflict. Among the recognized channels of parliamentary procedure are questions, debates, and divisions. Furthermore, the electoral system structures the struggle for power to take the form of periodic contending for votes at general elections.

There is a whole range of political beliefs and values over which there is substantial social consensus; on the value of liberty, the monarchy, of evolutionary rather than revolutionary change, and of English parliamentary and governmental institutions.1 Differences are more likely to occur over means than about ends. Such consensus is, of course, partly due to political socialization. Respect for the monarchy, for example, is inculcated in the schools, especially through the teaching of history.2 Moreover, while a few are socialized for leadership roles through attendance at public schools, the majority ‘attending secondary modern schools appear to accept the politically passive roles implicitly stressed by the orientation of the schools.’3

Most important for any political system is an acceptance of its legitimacy on the part of the governed. It’s not wasy to define legitimacy. It is not the same thing as the effectiveness of a government. This is an index of the extent to which its policies have been judged to be successful and is related to the expectations of the electorate. Judgments of legitimacy are affective and evaluative, rather than instrumental.4 Legitimacy reflects the way in which a society defines the legality of a government and its right or authority to rule. Legitimacy transforms power into authority. This transformation of power into authority is clearly a most important condition for the acceptance of rules and orders. Men may accept authority because it rests upon tradition. In stable societies, authority is legitimized by long usage. In times of crisis and change, traditional authority comes to be questioned. Under such circumstances, charismatic leaders1 may emerge, who are obeyed because they are believed to possess special personal qualities.

In large scale contemporary societies, the bases of legitimacy are complex. Power is perceived as legitimate if it is exercised according to rules which have been promulgated by a recognized and accepted procedure. A major function of political philosophies is to provide formulae whereby power may be perceived as legitimate. Rapid changes in society, such as those which accompany industrialization, throw up new groups—both entrepreneurs and factory workers—who seek to influence the decision-making machinery. If a government is to retain legitimacy, and avoid revolution, ways must be found to allow such groups access to power by legitimate means. By extending the franchise to such new groups,

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