Theories of the State Summary

1. Theories of the State Summary www.educationforum.co.uk

2. Definitions • The modern state emerged in the 16th century in western Europe • Max Weber defines it as ‘ a human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory’ • Andrew Heywood (2002) defines the State using 5 ideas • The State is ‘sovereign’ – it has power over all other groups • State power is legitimate, right and legal. State decisions are binding on everyone • The State can use force/violence when order breaks down • The State governs a defined geographical area and everyone that lives therein • State institutions are ‘public’ institutions and are responsible for enforcing collective decisions

3. Pluralist Theory Weathervane model – state policy is directed (blown like a weathervane) by public opinion and pressure groups The Neutral State model – state seen as an impartial referee between competing interest groups The broker state model – state has its own agenda (not completely neutral) but its main role is to broker deals between various interest groups Theorists – Dahl, Dunleavy and O’Leary

4. Marxist Theory ‘The executive of the modern State is but a committee for managing the affairs of the whole bourgeoisie’ (Marx Communist Manifesto 1848) Instrumentalists (Milliband) – the state rules in the interests of the ruling class because state officials and elite members share the same background Structuralists (Poulantzas) – the state supports capitalism because it is part of the embedded structure of society Hegemonic (Gramsci) – the state maintains capitalism rule through the power of ideas – hegemonic and ideological control of the superstructure. However the State occasionally has to resort to violence to keep control because of the contradictions intrinsic to capitalist society i.e. class conflict – (Offe)

5. New Right or Neo Liberal theory • Very critical of the modern ‘expanded’ state • Intervenes too much in the economy and distorts the market • Interferes too much in the lives of citizens – ‘the nanny state’ • Creates dependency culture through benefit system • Seeks to ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ through privatisation, welfare reform and marketisation Theorists – Murray, Saunders Politicians – Thatcher, Cameron, Gove, Blair (Third Way ideas influenced by New Right thinking)

6. State Centred Theories • Instead of seeing the State as a reflection of power within society, state centred theories argue that the State acts independently and frequently acts in its own interests • Eric Nordlinger– the state often acts independently and clearly has its own agenda – e.g. Votes on death penalty always go against public opinion. • ThedaSkocpol– states have their own priorities and goals and acts independently to promote these

7. Globalisation and the State • Globalisation has reduced the power of the nation State which cannot compete with the power of TNCs • As a response some states have banded together in larger political units like the EU which has resulted in some loss of sovereignty for nation states • Theorists – Giddens – the State has lost powers but has a future but global problems need to be tackled on a global level – pollution, global warming, pandemics, financial crises David Held – nation state should be replaced by ‘global democracy Leslie Sklair – nation states increasingly overshadowed by TNCs – global capitalism creating global problems at an alarming rate due to the relentless pursuit of profit

8. Review the lessons • Definitions http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/state.htm • Pluralist Theories http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/pluraliststate.htm • Marxist theories http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/marxiststate.htm New Right Theories http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/newrightstate.htm • Globalisation and the State http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/Globalisation_and_the_Decline_of_the_Nation_State.ppt Summary http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/statesummary.htm

9. Revision Guide • Read pages 150-151 and make note of additional studies • Then complete the practice questions and exam question on page 151 • Use white text book for general reading – complete ‘check my understanding’ and attempt exam practice