Political science, much like other branches of science, encompasses a broad scope that seeks to understand complex phenomena related to the state, government, and human political behavior. As a field of study, its scope has been the subject of extensive debate among scholars, each offering nuanced perspectives that have shaped its contemporary boundaries. In this blog, we explore the scope of political science, breaking down the contributions of key political scientists and major areas of study, highlighting how the discipline evolves over time.
Varied Perspectives on the Scope of Political Science
The scope of political science is often viewed through different lenses, primarily divided into four perspectives.
1. The State-Centered Approach:
Scholars such as Garris, Garner, Goodnow, and Buntasky argued that political science is fundamentally concerned with the state. According to them, the primary focus of political science is understanding the state’s functions, institutions, and governance structures.
2. Government-Focused Approach:
John Scheele and Likakra argued that political science should only deal with matters concerning government. Their view narrowed the field’s scope to the study of governmental institutions and practices.
3. State and Government Combined Approach:
Influential scholars like Gilchrist, Gettle, MJ Laskey, and Paul Genet proposed that political science must include both the state and government in its purview. They contended that while the study begins with the state, it cannot exclude the government, as the two are intertwined.
4. Human Political Behavior:
Modern American scholars, such as Max Weber and C.E. Maryam, expanded the scope of political science by including the study of human political behavior. This perspective emphasizes the analysis of how individuals and groups interact with and influence political structures.
These viewpoints represent the diversity of thought within the field, each contributing to the broader understanding of political science.
Key Aspects of the Scope of Political Science
Gilchrist, an influential figure in political science, outlined three central subjects that define the scope of the discipline:
1. Present Nature of the State:
This involves studying the meaning and characteristics of the state, its purpose, and its role in contemporary society.
2. Historical Nature of the State:
This aspect explores the state’s origins, how it has evolved over time, and the factors that influenced its development.
3. Future Nature of the State:
This part of political science involves speculation and analysis of how states may evolve, including potential government models and their impacts on global politics.
Ideological vs. Practical Politics
Political science encompasses two broad categories: ideological politics and practical politics.
1. Ideological Politics
Ideological Politicsdeals with the theoretical aspects of the state and government. It examines various theories regarding the state’s origin and governance models, focusing on the study of the state as an artificial construct. This includes topics like the theory of statutes and various government systems.
2. Practical Politics
Practical Politicsfocuses on real-world governance models. It delves into the administration of governments, studying laws, ethics, diplomacy, international relations, and peacebuilding efforts. This dimension of political science connects theory with practice, making it vital for understanding the functioning of actual political institutions.
The Scope as Defined by the UNESCO Survey (1948)
A UNESCO conference held in Paris in 1948 provided a detailed classification of political science’s scope, which remains highly relevant. According to this survey, political science covers the following areas:
1. State and Government:
The study of state and government activities, including their origins, structures, development, and problems.
2. Individual and State:
The relationship between the state and the individual, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of its citizens.
3. Political Theory:
The study of the foundational ideas and principles of political philosophers, such as democracy, socialism, individualism, and liberalism.
4. Political Institutions:
A detailed examination of forms of government, local bodies, administration, and constitutional frameworks.
5. Dynamic Politics:
This area looks at how political parties, interest groups, and other entities influence the state, government, and lawmaking processes.
6. International Relations:
Political science also encompasses global politics, including diplomacy, war, peace, disarmament, human rights, and international cooperation.
7. Various Forms of Political Communication:
Political science studies the role of mass media, public opinion, and education in shaping popular opinions, which in turn influence politics and governance.
Conclusion
The scope of political science is vast and multidimensional, reflecting the complexity of the political world we live in. From the study of states and governments to the analysis of human political behavior and international relations, political science touches on every aspect of organized societal life. As the world continues to evolve, so too does the field, ensuring its relevance in understanding modern political phenomena. Whether one leans toward theory or practice, political science offers valuable insights into the forces that shape human societies.
