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.