Political sociology emerged in the late 19th century, influenced by early sociologists like Comte, Durkheim, and Weber. It developed in response to social changes brought by industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of nation-states.

The field grew significantly in the mid-20th century, focusing on power, political behavior, and state-society relationships. It expanded to include globalization, social movements, and cultural aspects of politics, drawing from various disciplines.

Historical Development of Political Sociology

Origins of political sociology

• Emerged as distinct subfield in late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Influenced by works of early sociologists (Auguste Comte, Émile Durkheim, Max Weber)
• Developed in response to social and political changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, rise of nation-states
• Key milestones in development:
  1. 1950s and 1960s: Growth of subfield, particularly in United States
     • Focused on study of power, political behavior, relationship between society and state
  2. 1970s and 1980s: Expansion of subfield to include new areas of study
     • Incorporated theories and methods from other disciplines (political science, economics, anthropology)
  3. 1990s and 2000s: Continued growth and diversification of subfield
     • Increased attention to globalization, social movements, role of culture in political processes

Key theorists and contributions

• Max Weber (1864-1920)
  • Analyzed relationship between religion, economics, politics
  • Developed concept of "iron cage" of bureaucracy and theory of social stratification
• C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)
  • Examined concentration of power in hands of small elite ("power elite")
  • Emphasized importance of sociological imagination in understanding relationship between individual experiences and larger social structures
• Seymour Martin Lipset (1922-2006)
  • Studied social bases of politics, particularly relationship between economic development and democracy
  • Contributed to modernization theory, which posits economic development leads to greater political stability and democracy
• Theda Skocpol (1947-)
  • Analyzed role of state in shaping social and political processes
  • Developed concept of "state autonomy" and contributed to study of social revolutions (French Revolution, Russian Revolution)

Historical influences on evolution

• Industrial Revolution and rise of capitalism
  • Led to emergence of new social classes (bourgeoisie, proletariat) and political ideologies (socialism, communism)
  • Prompted development of theories on relationship between economic systems and political structures
• World Wars and Cold War
  • Influenced study of international relations, political ideologies, role of state in society
  • Contributed to growth of political sociology in United States and Europe
• Social movements of 1960s and 1970s (civil rights, women's liberation, anti-war)
  • Drew attention to issues of power, inequality, social change
  • Encouraged incorporation of new perspectives (feminism, critical theory) into political sociology
• Globalization and rise of transnational politics
  • Challenged traditional understandings of nation-state and political boundaries
  • Stimulated research on global governance, international organizations (United Nations, World Bank), politics of identity

Interdisciplinary impact on development

• Political science
  • Contributed theories and methods for studying political institutions, behavior, processes
  • Influenced study of voting behavior, political parties (Democrats, Republicans), public opinion
• Economics
  • Provided insights into relationship between economic systems and political structures
  • Influenced study of political economy, public policy, distribution of resources (wealth, income)
• Anthropology
  • Offered methods for studying political culture, symbols, rituals
  • Contributed to understanding of power dynamics in non-Western and traditional societies (indigenous tribes, monarchies)
• Psychology
  • Provided theories and methods for studying individual political attitudes, beliefs, behaviors
  • Influenced study of political socialization, decision-making, leadership (charismatic leaders, authoritarian personalities)
• History
  • Offered long-term perspective on social and political change
  • Contributed to understanding of historical context of political institutions and processes (formation of nation-states, rise and fall of empires)