THE UNITS OF POLITICAL ACTION

In: The southwestern social science quarterly, Band 35, Heft 1, S. 25-35

Abstract

The study of human action may be conducted from many points of view, depending on the scientist's special purpose. In analyzing political action a special group theory must be devised. The criteria for defining political groups must be directly related to the process of political action. These categories must include only persons whose political behavior is essentially similar. The units of political action are: (1) pressure groups, (2) political parties, (3) political classes, (4) nations (or comparable groups), (5) military bands, (6) individual persons. A political pressure group is derived directly from an interest group but is not identical with it. A political party is an organized association attempting to place some of its leaders in gov. office and secure certain ends on behalf of its members and supporters. A political class is a large numl3er of persons who act alike in politics over a long period of time, the essential bond of which is myth or factors which synthesize the various moral purposes of the different members. Nations are comprised of geographically contiguous people with unit allegiance, national consciousness and solidary political action resulting from common faith in inspiring myths. A military band may be large or small, is formally organized and usually tightly disciplined. The concrete individual is an important unit of political action when he acts independently of membership in any particular political group. Research is needed to determine if there are correlations among the prevalence of particular types of pressure groups, particular economic and social institutions, and particular political institutions. E. Scott.