A Framework for Political Analysis"A framework for political analysis by David Easton develops a method for analyzing the basic processes by which political systems, regardless of generic or specific types, seek to adapt and prevail as systems of behavior in a world of either stability or change. It establishes an organized system of concepts which not only forms an introduction to a behavioral theory of politics, but offers a framework for what can be termed a systems analysis of political life. It represents the first comprehensive statement of a formal framework interpreting politics as a system of social behavior, and as such, offers much valuable material for empirical investigators and theoreticians in the social and political fields. Beginning with an identification of the assumptions from which politics are defined as a system of behavior, this work then proceeds to develop a structure of concepts. Focusing largely on the dynamic aspects of systems, the author examines the kinds of processes characteristic of political systems. He organizes a consistent structure of concepts to fit the kind of system that political life constitutes. This work offers a clear pathway to a general theory of political life, a manner of analysis for understanding the behavior of all kinds of political systems: small or large, developing or traditional, modern or primitive, industrial or agrarian, democratic or totalitarian. It provides a set of categories for research and analysis that can be effectively used by anyone concerned with the study of politics, regardless of specific field - whether public administration, political science, sociology, or anthropology - and as such, forms a contribution of inestimable value to the study of political life" -- Dust jacket. |
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able acephalous societies actions allocation of values analytic system aspects authoritative allocations authorities basic behavioral approach behavioral sciences biological persons biological systems boundaries capacity concept consider cope criteria critical DAVID EASTON decisions differentiated disciplines disturbances economic empirical environmental essential variables external fact feedback function Glencoe gross unit groups human idea identify indicators influences inputs interpreted intrasocietal kind of system kinds of political least major means ment N. J. Smelser nature occur organizations outputs parapolitical systems physical political behavior political interactions political research political roles political science political sys problems refer regardless relevant scientific method seek sense significant social interactions social sciences social systems societal political system society solar system specific stress structures and processes subsystems system of behavior systems analysis Talcott Parsons task tems theoretical tion total environment traditional tribal type of system understanding Weimar Republic