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Chapter 14. Political and Economic Institutions. Chapter Outline. Using the Sociological Imagination Power and Authority The Nation-State Political Systems. Chapter Outline. Political Power in American Society Economic Systems The Corporation Work in the Contemporary Economy.
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Chapter 14 Political and Economic Institutions
Chapter Outline • Using the Sociological Imagination • Power and Authority • The Nation-State • Political Systems
Chapter Outline • Political Power in American Society • Economic Systems • The Corporation • Work in the Contemporary Economy
Power and Authority • Power is the ability to impose one’s will on others whether or not they wish to comply. • Authority is power accepted as legitimate by those subjected to it.
Three Forms of Authority • Charismatic - inherently unstable • Traditional authority - too outdated to serve as the basis of power for modern nation-states. • Rational-legal - the authority of most nation-states today.
Nation-state: Characteristics • Absolute sovereignty it has over its citizens. • Citizens can appeal no higher than the laws of the state. • Devotion to nationalism.
Political Systems • Democracy - representative with minimal citizen involvement in political affairs. • Totalitarianism - absolute rulers control all aspects of social life • Authoritarianism - nonelected rulers with absolute control who frequently permit some individual freedom.
Assumptions in a Representative Democracy • Not everyone in modern society can be actively involved in all political decision making. • Politicians who fail to satisfy the wishes of the majority will not be elected (or reelected).
Capitalist Economies • Based on: • Private property • The pursuit of profit without government interference.
Socialist Economies • The means of production are owned by the people. • Government has active role in planning and controlling the economy.
Individualistic capitalism • Foundational principles: • Self-interest • Free market • Profit maximization • Highest return possible on stockholder investment
Occupational Structure: Two Tiers • Core tier • Computer technology, pharmaceutical, and aerospace firms. • Between 30 and 40% of U.S. workers are in the core tier.
Occupational Structure: Two Tiers • Peripheral tier • Industries such as agriculture, textiles, and small-scale retail trade. • 60 to 70% are employed in the peripheral tier.
Downsizing • Since 1985, over 8 million employees were downsized. • In 2001, corporate layoffs increased nearly 40% over the previous year. • Causes: • Collapse of the stock market • Economic downturn • Exposure of CEO scandals • 9/11 terrorist attack