Multi-disciplinary approach

The element of politics is not isolated from other social elements from the society. It is not possible to
draw lines and separate politics from economic, social, cultural and religious elements. Therefore,
studying political science requires connecting political science to other subjects. This approach is based
on learning politics on a multi subjective path.

The historical development of political science reflects the fact that it has been contributed by many
other important subjects throughout history.
(i) Greekera–Philosophy
(ii) Roman era – Divinity, History & Law
(iii) 19th century – Economics, Law & History
(iv) 20th century – Social science, Psychology, Anthropology, Art & Literature

It is not possible to study politics excluding other social elements since it is originated in the society
and functions with many more social processes. This approach believes that a complete study of
politics can only be done through a multi-disciplinary study. This includes the concepts, methods of
other social sciences.

The importance of a multi-disciplinary method was also emphasized by behaviourism. This included
social sciences as well as natural sciences.
a. Applying sociological and anthropological methods to examine the connection between voting and
the caste system
b. Applying psychological and biological methods to examine the reasons behind the human political
behaviour

In conclusion the main fundamentals behind the multi-disciplinary approach are as follows.

i. The connection between politics and other social elements despite studying politics being an
independent subject
ii. Political theories and concepts being enriched by other theories and concepts of other social
sciences
iii. Methods in political science being enriched with the contributions of other subjects

Scientific/ Behavioural approach

The scientific if not behavioural approach is considered extremely important as a recent development
of political science. Behaviourism was basically developed in the mid-20th century by American
political scientists.

The common feature that can be seen in traditional approaches to study political science is the fact
that these approaches mainly focus on structural and legal foundation of concepts such as state,
government, power etc. Therefore, behaviourism mainly mentioned that an approach to study political
science should find new ways to study a vast area of political concepts. Behaviourism criticized the fact
that traditional approaches avoid the content that does not fall into the territory of political science.
Hence behaviourism suggested to follow natural scientific methods in order to study political science
in a better way.

It appears that behaviourism has established a new path to study political science. This method is more
similar to natural sciences. Therefore, behaviourism is considered as a landmark in political science.
behaviourism is based on several fundamentals.
1. The focus of a political study should be concentrated at the political behaviour of people. Unlike the
traditional approaches that study the structural foundation of political institutes behaviourists mainly
focus on the political behaviour of humans. Therefore, the main foundation of behaviourism is the
question that “why humans behave this way?” Behaviourism analyses the answers to this question in
thorough observations.
Eg: - Why do people in Central Colombo always vote for UNP?
Why do politically active young men in Sri Lanka give up on socialism with age?
The above questions are completely based on the human behaviour. Therefore, through behaviourism
it is possible to collect data from practical & scientific approach in order to come up with conclusions.

2. The aim of social & political inquiry should be the production of knowledge based on data & proof
obtained by means of empirical research. This is basically obtaining facts, data and evidence through
observations & verifications.

3. Behaviourism believes that in terms of political studies a valid and trustworthy knowledge should
be developed on social and economic facts. Therefore, observations should be done on objective
knowledge. The objective knowledge is assumed to be free of personal beliefs, assumptions,
prejudices and other value related judgements. The study should be entirely guided by theory and
based on observable & verifiable data.
4. The knowledge gathered in behaviourism is strictly objective and it must be value free. A political
concept or scenario should be studied without judgements such as good or bad.

• Behaviourism emerged in the late 19th & early 20th century. Hence it was associated with advanced
scientific and technological features. Therefore, behaviourism successfully applied modern scientific
and technological principles for more accurate conclusions in political science. This is considered as a
landmark of the subject.
Eg: - Unlike traditional approaches that heavily rely on documents, behaviourism uses much more
advanced material such as the laboratories, computers, software and applications in order to combine
subjects such as psychology and other natural sciences with political science in order to come up with
better conclusions.

Modern day trends in behaviourism

1. Behaviourism was practically keen on studying the political participation of citizens
2. After being properly organized and established in 1950s behaviourism had a dominant role in
political science during 1960s however due to heavy criticisms behaviourism faced a setback in
1970s.
3. The basic foundation of mostly every criticism was the fact that behaviourism limiting the scope
of political science to a single element of the subject. Since political science is a vast subject
behaviourism was criticised for disregarding other important elements.
4. Due to set back in the 1970s the importance of traditional approaches such as philosophical,
historical, social scientific were emphasized again. However, the foundation of behaviourism to study
the subject on facts and value has been appreciated by many political scientists.

Criticism on behaviourism
• The behaviouralist approach has been heavily criticized by Marxist, neo-Marxist, philosophical,
feminist & post-modernist followers. Mainly these criticisms were based on the fact that behaviouralist
approach limits the scope of political science only to the element of behaviour.

1. The Marxist theory has mainly criticized behaviourism since Marxism focuses on Historical political
process, state & its application, the connection between social classes etc. Marxism points out that
through mere behaviour studies it is not possible to explain such advanced political concepts.
2. The Canadian political scientist Christian Bay has pointed out that behaviouralists have excluded
politics from political science studies by focusing too much on behaviour. Bay further explains that the
behaviouralists have not focused on positive & negative features of politics. Specially behaviouralists
have focused too much on explaining political activities of collections of humans although they have
ignored the political motives, political outcomes, political values that do not fall within the scope of
political behaviour.

Political Economic Approach

The political economic approach to study political science is mostly based on the Communist theory.
Since Communism (mostly Marxism) is heavily attached with the economic factors, it is not possible to
study the communist political theory by excluding economics.

The industrial revolution in the 18th century resulted in so many social issues. As a result, some
Europeans rose against capitalism and this was politically explained by Marxism. The private property
system, the open market, the free entrepreneurship allowed the capitalists to rob labour from poor
workers. Karl Marx believed that the human society has 6 eras and that the initial era was in fact equal
classes period. According to Marx since the second era the dominating minority has been suppressing
the majority using the state as a class instrument. Through his concept of communism Karl Marx
provided an alternative system with equality this system includes a poor class dominance, a public
property system & a fair profit division among the citizens. Therefore, this theory is highly attached
with economic concepts.

Studying the economic phase of politics was started in the 18th century. This included analysing
economic concepts of production, sales, national income, the market etc. Also, it studies the process
of the economic system being linked to the politics of the government. In terms of this contributions
by Adams Smith, David Ricardo, J.S. Mill & Thomas Mathews are considered as important.

Following these theories by above mentioned philosophers provided by a big contribution in order to
create and up bring the capitalistic theory. The book “Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith and the
fundamentals of political economics by David Ricardo laid the foundation of this theory.

According to the capitalistic theory every person is capable of taking care of themselves, hence the
state should simply secure law and order to allow the people to handle economic affairs in their
personal preferences. Especially the capitalistic economy is expected to function properly when the
state stays away from the market competition and allow the competitors to compete in the market.

The economic specialists mainly focused on a complete free market where the state has zero
involvements in the personal and economic levels of the citizens. This system was mainly based on the
fundamentals of equal citizens and equal opportunities. However due to the free competition itself
eventually different financial outcomes were generated which created class division.

The study on capitalism by Karl Marx which was presented in his “Das Capital” created a new ideology
on economy. Karl Marx developed a theoretical system in order to identify the capitalistic economy
this is known as the historical materialism. This theory believes that the human history, the social
economic structure, politics and philosophy all should be considered as a big picture and the
connection between the elements should be studied.

The historical materialism has several features.

1. In the study of the human society, the entire society should be taken as a totality. This totality is
referred as “Social Formation” by Karl Marx.
2. A social formation consists of two spheres. (a) Economic base (Internal Structure) (b) Super structure

3. The superstructure of the society is interconnected as culture, state, law, religion etc. and they are
not independent from one another. Although these elements appeared to be independent from one
another in fact, they are connected to one another and the differences depend on economic elements.
In general, the superstructure is depended on Inner structure/ Internal structure. Also, this means
according to the economic element other elements change. Also, this means that social institutions
are dependent on economic institutes. When this theory is applied to a capitalistic system this means
the society is processed according to the dominant rich class and their needs.

According to Karl Marx political transitions and changes take place due to the class struggle of a society.
This class struggle is created on economic factors. According to Karl Marx the initial stage of human
civilization was a classless society. During this period every human was equal while all properties were
public. However, with the arrival of production forces and production relations, private property
ownership was introduced which created a class difference. Therefore, the class difference divided the
society into two groups where the minority with the economic resources became the dominant class
in order to suppress the majority that lacks economic resources.

Explaining political phenomenon on above mentioned Marxist fundamentals is the general idea of the
political economic approach. This approach was basically developed as an alternative for the
behavioural approach to study political science. The political economic approach has criticized
behaviourism under several arguments.

1. Behaviourism simply focuses on the statements of human political behaviour these are not the
substantial core themes of politics but manifestations on the surface. The core themes in politics
include class division, class struggle, class conflict, the state & the resistance to power. Behaviourism
completely avoids these themes.
2. Behavioural political science is in fact politically conservative. Hence it opposes any changes if
existing system of power. Although behaviouralists emphasized on gathering political information
unbiased, in reality behaviouralists have been biased towards conservative politics. Therefore, political
economic approach criticised behaviourism for defending existing patterns & resisting social changes.

3. Studying political phenomenon should not be limited to simply studying information but it should
provide an intellectual and a practical contribution to change those. Behaviourism mostly avoids
changing political phenomenon and focuses on reforming existing patterns & continuing. Therefore, it
only serves the dominant party in the society.
With the introduction of political economic approach many political interpretations were interpreted
in a new context.

1. When defining a political phenomenon identifying the economic phase and social class roots related
to the political phenomenon

2. Building analysis of the totality and not on individual portions

3. Acknowledgement of the decisive role played by economic and class factors on politics

4. Recognition of the following elements as main themes of politics

(a) Power
(b) Authority
(c) Class division
(d) Class conflict
(e) State
(f) Social resistance to dominance

5. The goal of political inquiry is to build a radical critique of the dominant structure of power in social,
political, economic & ideological domains

6. The belief that critical political science inquiry should aim at social & political transformation.

Sociological Approach

Sociology and political science are too closely related academic disciplines. These two subjects were
properly separated in 19th century in American universities. Before that these two subjects were
mostly studied together. Even then, political science and sociology still seemed to maintain a close
affinity. In fact, the subfield of political sociology is directly related to both two subjects.

Political science inquiry and analysis have been enriched by the theories, approaches & research
methods of sociology.

Sociology

In general, the academic approaches that study the human and the social life are considered as social
sciences. If not, it can be defined as the subjects that study the complex human and social relationships
on a scientific foundation as social sciences.

Out of the social sciences sociology is extremely important as the subject that studies the society
direct. According to Max Weber, “Sociology is the subject that studies social processes and reasons
behind such processes.” Therefore, following elements are studied in sociology.
i. Social structure
ii. Social organizations
iii. Social units
iv. The connection between the human & the society
v. Social transformations
vi. Social stratification

The history of social science runs up to the 19th century and the origin of sociology was mainly the
social issues the European society faced after the French revolution & industrial revolution. Also
another important feature of sociology is the development of secondary subjects. For example,
anthropology is a secondary subject of sociology that specifically studies the human & different human
behavioural patterns under different social cultural & religious context.

In sociology and above-mentioned anthropology many theories, methods & approaches are followed
that can be applied in political science as well. Basically, the sociological approach is studying political
phenomenon in sociological methods. Therefore, in order to comprehend,
(i) The connection between politics & society
(ii) The connection between political organizations & social organizations
(iii) The connection between social behaviour & political behaviours

these sociological theories, methods & approaches are extremely important. In terms of political
scientists that followed the sociological approach the following can be considered.
(i) Auguste Comte
(ii) Karl Marx
(iii) Max Weber

Frankfurt school of sociological approach

The Frankfurt school is a school of political scientists that support the sociological theories and
philosophy in political science. This school was founded in 1928. Political scientists in this school have
focused on Marxist and Hagelist questions. Also, they focused on the works of Kant, Hagel, Marx,
Weber etc. and attempted to take their initiatives forward. Their main intention was to establish logical
institutions that are necessary to create changes on Marxism. The founders of this school are as follows
Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, Leo Löwenthal and Friedrich Pollock, Erich
Fromm and Leo Strauss.

Auguste Comte
He was born in 1798 in Southern France. His work provided an ideal foundation for social sciences to
apply scientific methods. Compte believes that the social evolution had 3 eras.
(a) Theological stage
(b) Metaphysical stage
(c) Positive stage

Max Weber
He was born in 1864 in Germany. His theories were mainly against Marxism therefore Weber is known
as capitalistic Marx. Weber has developed the following theories with ‘in depth’ studies of the society.
(a) The theory of social functions
(b) The definition of authority
(c) The theory of ideal race
(d) The methodology of social science
(e) Capitalism and protestants
(f) The definition of social stability
(g) The definition of social positions

Karl Marx
He was born in 1818 in Germany. Although he was not a sociologist the works of Marx made important
contributions to sociology and studied the existing capitalistic, social, economic and political systems
to develop the following theories.
(a) The theory of scientific socialism
(b) The theory of remainder values
(c) The theory of class conflicts
(d) The theory of historical materialism
(e) The theory of social resistance

Studying political science is based on the knowledge of the society. Therefore, sociology and
anthropology are extremely important in terms of obtaining knowledge that is necessary for political
science. Example such political parties is an area in political science. In general, political scientists used
to study.
(a) The history of parties
(b) Categorization of parties
(c) The leadership of parties
(d) Policy papers of parties
(e) The programme of parties etc

However above elements do not provide a full analysis of political parties. In terms of sociological
approach more political elements are studied as: -
(a) The influence of social elements such as wealth, religion, race, caste, family, background, gender
etc. over the functions of political parties.
(b) What the reasons behind the active political participation of citizens? (c) Who has the power over
political parties in the grass root level?

Feminist approach

In political and social education, the feminist approach has a major influence. Feminism was a topic
throughout the history and in was an academic field during the early 1970s. The feminist approach
mainly questioned fundamental political facts and their definitions for political concepts challenged
conservation inspirations. Feminist movements can be categorized into 3.
(a) Liberal feminist movements
(b) Radical feminist movements
(c) Marxist feminist movements
Initial feminist movements mostly appreciated liberal values and mostly focused on gaining the rights
to vote and equal opportunities in politics for women. They point out that in the basis of skills of
women and men are not different. Therefore, their suggestions mainly focused on balancing out the
gap in political, social and economic areas.

Feminist political movements became more radical around 1970s. This radical approach emphasized
on women’s liberation in a political aspect. According to them, although women have equal rights &
opportunities in political, economic, social and sexual areas women have suffered from sexual
oppression. Therefore, in all above-mentioned areas men have authority over women, hence they
believe that women’s liberation cannot be achieved by removing male dominance from politics, but it
should be removed from social, economic, cultural, sexual & personal areas.

The Marxist feminist approach believes that the dominance over women is an element behind the
working class of the society to maintain disciplined, obedient labour force. Therefore, the subject of
women’s rights is a necessity of capitalism.

The feminist approach raised the following political questions.

1) Why would women be excluded from the field of politics?
2) Should politics be accepted as field of men?
3) Why have women been considered as a secondary role throughout human history?
4) Why have women always been subjected to discrimination? Should it be continued?
5) What are the social, political & cultural ideologies that supress women?
6) The liberalist & socialist ideas on social & human liberation are sufficient for women?

Feminists have developed several new theoretical concepts, in order to explore above questions.
1) The social role of males & females
2) The labour gap between males & females
3) The father-based family
4) The suppression of women
5) The male centred society
6) Women’s liberation

These questions & theoretical concepts have created many differences in traditional, political studies.
Therefore, following amendments were criticised in the field of political science as a result of feminism.
1. The male, female social roles being added to the basic political identities along with the citizen, the
society, the nation, social classes.
2. Women’s liberation being added to main goals of politics along with human liberation & social
liberation.
3. Re-analysing basic political concepts such as the state, political power, democracy, socialism, liberty,
equality, equity & fairness, rights, suppression, state policies, citizenship etc. on a feminist basis.
4. Accepting politics as a personal field and updating the general idea of politics being a common social
function that continued since the Greek era.

When analysing feminism, it can be seen that the feminist movement has been focused on different
areas and headed in different directions. Therefore, the feminist movements kicked unity &
consistency in other words feminist movements have suffered from being politically organized.
Also, by 1980s feminist movements seemed to face a downfall as the US President Ronald Regan and
the British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher openly criticised feminism for harming the social stability
and the social framework. Also, extremist ideas in Islamic countries emphasized on the traditional role
of a woman.