Suchergebnisse

In a discussion of self-interest-based behavior, it is contended that the changing face of the political economy is reflected in emerging concepts of egoism. In standard Marxist, elitist, or public choice models of political systems, the motivation for any political action is self-interest. It is argued that the idea of individual self-interest is evolving as economic imperialism (which first created the concept) declines & is replaced by the new institutionalism. Reviewed here are both formal definitions of self-interest that exclude external political factors, & material definitions that focus on free choices & personal preference in political action. The centrality of self-interest in economic imperialist discourse is also examined, & revised versions of the self-interest concept -- eg, mixed motivation, indirect egoism, contextually contained egoism, & embedded egoism -- are explored. Neither extreme of direct egoism or political irrationality can replace the self-interest concept. 195 References. J. Sadler

A literature review shows that many feel a trend of individualization is occurring in the Netherlands. However, no clear definition of individualization has been established. Proceeding from the work of J. W. van Deth (1992), the definition of individualization as an increase in the number of persons with a postmaterialistic value orientation (ie, preferring autonomy, self-development, & emancipation over tradition, obedience, & personal wealth) is considered. The objection arises that the interest people show in material welfare is not closely tied to their striving for self-development & independence, & therefore not to their degree of individualism in values. Thus, a new definition for individualization is proposed focusing on independence, self-development, emancipation, & decreasing appreciation for tradition & obedience. Analysis of official statistical & electoral data from 1974 to 1989 showed that no individualization occurred over this period. Surprisingly, the degree of individualism displayed by value orientations actually decreased. 17 Figures, 3 Graphs. M. Meeks

An empirical test of hypotheses that explain Left/Right political preferences on the basis of economic self-interest or of status. The diagonal mobility models developed by Michael E. Sobel (see SA 30:3/82M2954) are applied to survey data from the Netherlands for 1970/71 & 1977. The hypothesis that yields the best fitting model is that based on the assumption that individuals behave according to economic self-interest, but with a time-lag before taking on the political preferences of a newly entered status category. Macro-effects on society can thus be expected to reflect net structural mobility rather than total mobility, as would be suggested by status hypotheses. 10 Tables, 30 References. Modified HA

In response to Huib Pellikaan's "Rationele keuze, collectieve besluitvorming en de noodzaak van normen" ([Rational Choice, Collective Formation of Conclusions, and the Necessity of Norms] see SA 37:2/89U5338), criticisms are offered of the basic concepts of rationality & choice. In Eigenbelang, rationaliteit en interpersonele nutsvergelijking (Self-Interest, Rationality, and Use Comparison), Pellikaan offers rebuttals criticizing Van Deemen's terminological imprecision. 40 References. M. Meeks

In contrast to US voters, whose behavior is explained in terms of party identification, controversial issues, & degree of trust in public officials, the behavior of Dutch voters is best analyzed in terms of their position on a Left-Right ideological continuum. Analysis of election data from 1970 studied in C. P. Middendorp's Progressiveness and Conservatism: The Fundamental Dimensions of Ideological Controversy and Their Relationship to Social Class (The Hague/New York: Mouton, 1978), as well as data from 1975, 1980, & 1985, reveals a difference between the actual position on this continuum & voter self-identification, dependent on internally defined philosophical variables. The Left-Right continuum can be expressed along two axes: (1) socioeconomic equality/inequality, & (2) libertarianism/authoritarianism. 6 Tables, 3 Figures, 43 References. M. Meeks

It is argued that contemporary Marxism is in a crisis from which it is not likely to recover. Nevertheless, discussion of Marxism in the context of contemporary political philosophy is appropriate for two reasons: (1) Marxists set the agenda for current political & philosophical debate; & (2) Marxism has recently, at least in the West, given rise to a new & lively debate about the value of fundamental Marxian notions such as the idea of historical materialism & exploitation by the so-called (& self-styled) "analytical Marxists." The Marxians have undertaken a critical evaluation of Marxist political philosophy & have departed from orthodox Marxism. The analytical Marxists have tried to rephrase & uphold the framework of Karl Marx's political & materialist philosophy or have taken it upon themselves to construct a new Marxist edifice of political philosophy, even to reconstruct the whole Marxist scheme. This analytical Marxism is discussed in detail, along with endeavors by Western Marxists & dissident Marxists in & from Eastern Europe to come to terms with actually existing socialist societies & their basic political tenets. 63 References. Modified HA