Political sociology is a discipline defined as the study of power and the relationship between societies, states, and political conflict. Although the term itself wasn’t officially coined until the 1930s, the concept of political sociology dates all the way back to the third century BCE.  Aristotle sought to describe the state of Greece’s governance through the multiple city-states governed by its citizens and first studied the effects social groups have on governance in his work “Politics.”

The Emergence of Political Sociology 

While there is significant overlap between political sociology and political science, political science examines the internal workings of a government, while political sociology focuses on the building of nation-states and the power relation in the social structure. 

Political sociology became prominent after the horrific events of World War II and the major impacts the war had on society. Sociologists sought to understand how social concepts such as race, ethnicity, and education impacted the political system and vice versa. Specifically, they sought to understand imbalances of power in the hopes of preventing similar events from happening in the future and duplicating structures that have historically worked. The study of political sociology now includes issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, and classism, as well as family dynamics, workplaces, and modern media. 
 

Socio-Political Ideologies 

While many thinkers aim to explore the framework of what makes politics and society function together, the works of German sociologists Karl Marx and Max Weber and French sociologist Émile Durkheim stand out as primary sources. 

  • Karl Marx 
    Marx’s 19th-century pamphlet “The Communist Manifesto” discusses how dichotomous social classes and class struggle determine how societies are run. Under capitalism, the economically dominant social class exploits the “have-nots.” Marx explained that under socialism, which seeks to eliminate oppression and social inequality, the power is in the hands of the  government. Conversely, under communism, the power is in the hands of the people, which Marx argued would lead to the highest form of equality in a communal setting and eliminate individualism. Although socialism has been practiced in many countries,  
    communism, as a theoretical model of complete social equality, has not been achieved.  
  • Max Weber 
    Weber stated that hierarchies created a stable society and are based on forms of organizational legitimacy. These hierarchies may be established through charismatic leadership through the faith of followers or via a more traditional ruler like a monarch. Weber’s theories are integral to modern political sociology. His vision of a modern bureaucracy imagined a clear set of rules and regulations. 
     
  • Émile Durkheim 
    Durkheim argued that although capitalism was economically productive, its consumerism drives social groups to suicide (“Suicide,” 1897). He believed that individualism leads to corruption and depression, while a collective community—such as a large family unit or a religious community—creates a healthier sense of belonging necessary for a stable nation-state.  

Democracy and the Fight for Equality 

Political scientists and sociologists have long debated democratic transitions as an answer to the imbalance of power in a society. The Lipsett hypothesis argues that the more economically developed a nation is, the more prosperous and politically stable it becomes. Urbanization especially helps spread media and literacy among all social groups. 

Historically, democracies were led by a small number of people, usually white males of higher social status. Women and racial minorities, for example, have only comparatively recently gained access to political power, resources, and prestige. Influential democratic movements like the Women’s Suffrage Movement of the 1920s and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s led to voting rights and better opportunities for oppressed social groups in the United States. 

Today, agents like the free media give a voice to historically underrepresented communities and lead to greater participation on political issues. 

A Course Exploring Socio-Political Perspectives 

Our appropriately named course Political Sociology (SOCI 4324), part of our online BA in sociology program, examines the concepts of power and society in more depth, focusing on the concepts of class, ideology, elites, and political and state officials. During this course, you’ll learn to apply critical concepts of political sociology to current social issues from a national and global perspective. After completing the course, you’ll be able to comprehend and identify key issues related to social structures and power in society. 

Political Sociology is offered as part of our online BA in sociology program but can also benefit students studying to earn a degree in political science, business administration, public policy, or finance. Whether you decide to pursue a career in sociology or another field, this course can help you learn key theories and events to make a difference in any leadership role. 

Career Options with a BA in Sociology 

Our BA in sociology program is asynchronous, flexible, and entirely online. Study from the comfort of your home from anywhere in the world. Students interested in exploring social studies and social justice will gain invaluable knowledge in a field that can inform a variety of career options, some of which include: 

  • Teaching/consulting/law enforcement management 
  • Social work/social services 
  • Public administration/advertising 
  • Human resources  
  • Private and government foundations 
  • Guidance counseling 

 Become a force for social change. Apply to our online BA in sociology program and join the Falcon family! 

 
Sources: 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/political-sociology 
https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/bios/Weber.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sociology
https://www.sociologygroup.com/political-sociology-meaning-scope-concept-development
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emile-Durkheim
https://www.history.com/topics/germany/karl-marx