SOC 103 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Progressive Tax, The Need, Corporate Welfare
12 Oct 2016
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Chapter 8 - the role of the state. The state: organized political structure that carries out tasks required by more complex societies as their population/geographic size increase, warfare/trade expand, and social inequalities become more extreme. More than organizing structure, also major means of social control. Government is one aspect of the state. State is more inclusive, element of force that is key part of social institution. Capitalist societies - the owning class is separated from the state. Economic sphere is privatized (under full direct control of dominant class) Social activities (military, administrative, legal functions) transferred to the state. Separation of private/public spheres is only partial. Capitalist class privately owns/control most economic activity. Consequences (pollution, unemployment) dealt with by governments. Pluralist (or functionalist) approach: key function of the state is to mediate the various interest groups and try to best meet their needs in a given society. Insures order is maintained while ensuring best overall interests of society are met.
