Political Sociology Approach
A. Introduction
Political sociologists use an approach in studying the object of their concern. Issues or objects
that are usually studied in political sociology are society, the state, social order and social
change, inequality and social stratification, politics, political participation and power. To study
these issues, several approaches can be used, namely Structural Functional, conflict, class, elitist,
and pluralist.
B. Approach in Political Sociology
1. Structural functional
Often referred to as the Structural Functional Approach which is an early approach in sociology,
this approach considers society as a social system that is bound by values, for example the social
system of the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor Leste. Society is a whole consisting of
various parts, it seems that society is united in the face of other communities. The state in this
approach is seen as a subsistence that maintains and unites the goals of society. Social change in
society is considered as an adaptation of the new social order. Social inequality or social
stratification in a structural-functional approach is deemed necessary to maintain social order
and stability. Politics in this approach is understood to guarantee common goals.
2. Conflict
This second approach is the opposite of the functional structural approach, society in the
conflict approach is seen as an arena or place for interests to compete with one another. The
state in this perspective is a coercive tool from the authorities to subdue the people. Social order
and social change are seen in this perspective as social dynamics, society is constantly
overwhelmed by change and conflict. Without a conflict of interest, society has no meaning.
Social inequality is a barrier to integration and a major source of conflict in society. Politics in
the conflict approach deals with power, namely who is in power, how is he in power and why is
he in power. People who actively participate in political participation according to the conflict
approach are the most fortunate people. The power of illegitimate mechanisms tends to
dominate the powerless large sections of society.
3. Class
Not much different from the conflict approach, according to the class approach the root of the
conflict itself is economic. The state in the class approach is a means of organized violence and is
dominated by one class, namely the capitalist class. Social order and social change are the
dynamics of society and cannot be avoided or inherent. Politics according to the class approach
is a means used by the ruling class to dominate. Inequality and stratification are sources of
conflict, and they can be eliminated. Politics in a class approach is seen as a means to maintain
domination, politics is also a aspect of the superstructure dominated by the capitalist class.
4. Elite
The elitist approach sees that society is dominated by a minority group called the elite, outside
of this group are the masses who only obey and do not understand the situation. The state is
manipulated by a group of people and run on the basis of their own group interests. Inequality
A. Introduction
Political sociologists use an approach in studying the object of their concern. Issues or objects
that are usually studied in political sociology are society, the state, social order and social
change, inequality and social stratification, politics, political participation and power. To study
these issues, several approaches can be used, namely Structural Functional, conflict, class, elitist,
and pluralist.
B. Approach in Political Sociology
1. Structural functional
Often referred to as the Structural Functional Approach which is an early approach in sociology,
this approach considers society as a social system that is bound by values, for example the social
system of the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor Leste. Society is a whole consisting of
various parts, it seems that society is united in the face of other communities. The state in this
approach is seen as a subsistence that maintains and unites the goals of society. Social change in
society is considered as an adaptation of the new social order. Social inequality or social
stratification in a structural-functional approach is deemed necessary to maintain social order
and stability. Politics in this approach is understood to guarantee common goals.
2. Conflict
This second approach is the opposite of the functional structural approach, society in the
conflict approach is seen as an arena or place for interests to compete with one another. The
state in this perspective is a coercive tool from the authorities to subdue the people. Social order
and social change are seen in this perspective as social dynamics, society is constantly
overwhelmed by change and conflict. Without a conflict of interest, society has no meaning.
Social inequality is a barrier to integration and a major source of conflict in society. Politics in
the conflict approach deals with power, namely who is in power, how is he in power and why is
he in power. People who actively participate in political participation according to the conflict
approach are the most fortunate people. The power of illegitimate mechanisms tends to
dominate the powerless large sections of society.
3. Class
Not much different from the conflict approach, according to the class approach the root of the
conflict itself is economic. The state in the class approach is a means of organized violence and is
dominated by one class, namely the capitalist class. Social order and social change are the
dynamics of society and cannot be avoided or inherent. Politics according to the class approach
is a means used by the ruling class to dominate. Inequality and stratification are sources of
conflict, and they can be eliminated. Politics in a class approach is seen as a means to maintain
domination, politics is also a aspect of the superstructure dominated by the capitalist class.
4. Elite
The elitist approach sees that society is dominated by a minority group called the elite, outside
of this group are the masses who only obey and do not understand the situation. The state is
manipulated by a group of people and run on the basis of their own group interests. Inequality
