Politics, by some, is defined as the art of government where
as others define it, as a public affair in which both private and state owned
institutions play an important role. If we narrow it down to this definition,
it would only involve the efforts of the government and private institutions in
responding to the public demands and views. Hence, politics would only be
taking place in assemblies and Public offices.
Does this mean that the Politics never existed before the concept
of state/government was introduced?
Would there be an end to Politics if the concept of state is
abolished or these institutions such as national assemblies or public offices
cease to exist?
Politics might be a word, which was widely used in the 20th
century, after the concept of state or government was introduced, however the
practice of politics has existed since the start of social interaction.
Politics is about power dynamics, which is embedded, in our social
relationships and it would be wrong to confine it to the art of government or
public affairs. It exists in different
forms.
Hence politics would continue to exist as long as the social
relationships exist.
Abolition of the state or public offices does not mean that
politics would disappear altogether; it would only disappear from a certain
sphere in which it is practiced.
5 comments:
Hence why its so important to study politics!
Can we also not say that the creation of institutions such as national assemblies only served to formalise the practice of Politics in a society? Since early times, the practice of politics, that of cooperation and conflict as defined by Andrew Heywood, was done by tribes as there existed a hierarchy of power within the tribe itself. Furthermore, I believe that for this course your definition of Politics is too broad and will have too many variables to consider when studying therefore for academic purposes I believe that a narrower definition of Politics would work better.
Establishment of assemblies and and public institutions created a separate political sphere.
I think politics is only limited to some level. Different people practice politics to get the power and these people belong to high class. I don't think that people from low class practice politics to get some post or power.
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