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1. MODERN APPROACHES OF POLITICAL
SCIENCE

2. Political Science:
 The systematic way to study STATE and POWER is called political science. Political
science refers to take decisions by government institutions about common life and society.
Aspects of Political Science:
Positive Aspect:
Following are the positive aspects of political science
 Understanding of political systems
 Critical thinking skills
 Career opportunities

3. Negative Aspect:
Following are the negative aspects of political science
 Overly theoretical
 Lack of diversity
 Political polarization

4. Approaches to political science
 Traditional Approach
 Modern Approach

5. Drawbacks to Traditional Approach
 Traditional approach has a descriptive nature
 As traditional approach does not give much information regarding the
interdependence of national and international politics
 Traditional approach only limits itself to historical analysis without
delving much into the study of political structures

6. Modern Approaches to Political Science
 Fact based and lays emphasis on the factual study of political phenomenon to arrive at
scientific and definite conclusions.
 To minimize the deficiencies of the traditional approaches, various new approaches have
been advocated by the new political thinkers.
 Include sociological approach, economic approach, psychological approach, quantitative
approach, simulation approach, system approach, behavioral approach, Marxian approach
etc.

7. Characteristics of Modern Approach
 The modern approaches tries to draw conclusion from empirical data
 The modern approach to political science is the emphasis on interdisciplinary analysis.
 These approaches try go beyond the study of political structures and its historical analysis.
 They emphasize scientific methods of study and attempt to draw scientific conclusion in political science.
 The modern approach to political science is the use of quantitative research methods, such as statistical
analysis and survey research, to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about political phenomena.
 This approach is often contrasted with the traditional approach to political science, which relied more heavily
on philosophical and normative analysis.

8. Sub Approaches of Modern Approach
Following are the sub approaches of modern approach
 Behavioralism approach
 Post behavioralism approach

9. Behavioralism
Background
 Modern approach to the study of Political science
 It is a post 2nd World War development (emerge in 20th century)
 Protest movement against traditional approach in political science
 Associated with the work of American political scientists

10. Characteristics of Behavioralism
 The main focus is on political behavior of the individual.
 Political science is concerned with the political behavior of human beings within the political
contexts that is within the state or other political community.
 Nature of political events are largely determined by the nature and behavior of the people.
 It is an attempt to understand political phenomenon in terms of observed and observable data
 Use of more scientific tools such as observation, survey, measurement's etc.
 Aims to value free subject
 Emphasis to interdisciplinary study

11. Criticism to Behavioralism
 Study of political science cannot be value free
 Gave more emphasis on methods and techniques rather than the output
 Human behavior cannot be considered as a basic element; it is not static

12. Post-Behavioral Approach
 Post-Behaviouralism emerged as a reform movement within Behaviouralism.
 In 1970’s, there was general dissatisfaction with the achievements of
behaviouralist as it failed to solve practical problems of the society and it led to
the emergence of the post-Behavioural Approach.
 The main attack upon behaviouralism came from David Easton who was one of
the leading behaviouralists. According to him, there is a “post – behavioral
revolution” underway which is born out of deep dissatisfaction with the attempt to
covert political study into a discipline modelled on the methodology of the natural
sciences.

13. Characteristics of Post-Behavioral Approach
 The need to study all realities of Politics.
 The need to study social change.
 The need to end the obsession with methods and techniques and the need to study
the substance of politics.
 The need to admit the study of values along with facts.
 The need to help the society to develop by the use of knowledge of politics.
 The need to put knowledge of politics into action by the political scientists.
 The need to serve the society by helping it to preserve and develop its values.

14. Marxism
INTRODUCTION
 Marxism is a social, economic, and political philosophy that was developed by
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the mid-19th century.
 It focuses on the struggles of the working class against oppression and injustice.
 The ultimate goal of Marxism is a classless society where everyone has equal
access to resources.
 Marxism has had a significant impact on politics and society, particularly in the
form of socialist and communist movements around the world.

15. Characteristics of Marxism
Here are some key points to help you understand it:
 Marxism is based on the idea that society is divided into classes, with one class dominating
and exploiting the other.
 The dominant class (the bourgeoisie) owns the means of production, while the working
class (the proletariat) sells their labor to the bourgeoisie for wages.
 Marx believed that this system of capitalism was inherently unstable and would eventually
lead to a revolution by the working class.
 He argued that the revolution would establish a socialist society, where the means of
production would be owned and controlled by the workers.

16. Characteristics of Marxism
 The ultimate goal of Marxism is a classless society, where everyone has equal access to
resources and the means to live a fulfilling life.
 Marx also believed that culture, religion, and ideology were shaped by economic and social
conditions and served to perpetuate the power of the ruling class.
 Marxism has had a profound influence on modern politics, particularly in the form of
socialist and communist movements around the world.

17. What are Marxism examples?
 The work scenario where the laborers earn in peanuts whereas the owner
of the same organization takes the profit without investing much of his
manual efforts is an example of theories dealt in Marxism definition.
Why is Marxism important in modern world?
 Marxism theory encourages one to question the ideologies of a Capitalistic
society and understand the link between what we deserve and what we
receive as rewards for our labor.

18. Variants of Marxism
 Leninism
 Maoism
 Analytical Marxism
 Neo-Marxism

19. Conclusion
 Interdisciplinary perspective and examination of traditional assumptions
and methods in the field.
 Importance of recognizing the ways in wgich power is distributed.
 Overall modern approaches in political science helps in understanding the
complexities of political life.