GovernmentPolitical Power andSocial MovementsPrinciples of SociologySOC103.01Chapter 13Objectives• Review of the foundation of the United States• Review of “politics”• Identify various...

GovernmentPolitical Power andSocial MovementsPrinciples of SociologySOC103.01Chapter 13Objectives• Review of the foundation of the United States• Review of “politics”• Identify various “social movements” and the impact theyhave on societyPower and Authority• Characteristics of the state– Power• The ability of individuals or the members of a groupto achieve aims or further the interests they hold– Authority• A government’s legitimate use of powerDemocracy in the United States• Democracy– A political system that allows the citizens toparticipate in political decision making or to electrepresentatives to government bodies– Politics and voting• Decline in political party identification and strength• Growing distrust of politics and governmentDemocracy in the United StatesPolitical parties• An organization of individuals with broadly similarpolitical aims, oriented toward achieving legitimatecontrol of government through an electoral process• Two-party systems (winner-take-all elections)• Multiparty systems (proportional representation)Interest Groups– Interest groups• A group organized to pursue specific interests in thepolitical arena, operating primarily by lobbying themembers of legislative bodiesPolitical and Social Change• Economic deprivation• Deprivation felt by the changes of the economy• Relative deprivation• Deprivation a person feels by comparing themselves with a group• Social protest happens when conditions improveSocial Movements• Historicity – The use of an understanding of history as abasis for trying to change history – producing informedprocesses of social change• Why do social movements occur??Social Movements• Technology and Social Movements• How does the internet impact movements?Essay Questions for Exam 31) What is the difference between power and authority? Provide adetailed example of each from your own experience.2) How have the latest communication technologies helped topromote social change around the world?3) Identify a social movement in the United States, or anothercountry. What were the people trying to “change” oraccomplish? Did it work? Support your answer with examples.