Seri Kuliah Sosiologi Politik: (1) Politik dan Sosiologi Politik

Summary

This lecture on political sociology delves into the definitions of sociology and politics, exploring their etymological roots and modern interpretations. Sociology is presented as the systematic study of social behavior, while politics is defined as the process of resource allocation and distribution within society. The lecture also highlights the contributions of political orators like Fidel Castro, Sukarno, and Adolf Hitler. Additionally, Maurice Duverger’s view of politics as a binary opposition, symbolized by the Roman god Janus, is discussed. The sociology of politics is defined as the study of political processes and their social impacts, focusing on resource distribution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sociology is the study of society, derived from Latin 'socius' meaning 'friend' and Greek 'logos' meaning 'knowledge'.
• 😀 Sociology is most commonly defined as the systematic analysis of social behavior and structures.
• 😀 Politics, etymologically derived from the word 'politeia', refers to the governance and free discourse within a city-state, as practiced in ancient Greece.
• 😀 Politics also refers to the process of allocating and distributing resources within a society, involving what, who, and how these resources are distributed.
• 😀 Fidel Castro, Soekarno, and Adolf Hitler are cited as notable orators, with comparisons to their speech styles emphasizing their effectiveness without texts.
• 😀 The modern definition of politics focuses on resource distribution in society and how power over resources is exercised.
• 😀 Maurice Duverger, a French sociologist, is credited as the pioneer of political sociology, seeing politics as the 'face of Janus'—a dual-faced deity symbolizing opposing forces.
• 😀 According to Duverger, political actions and ideas often lead to binary oppositions (e.g., pro and con), with no easy solutions or acceptance.
• 😀 Political actions or decisions, such as extending a president's term, can generate strong opposing reactions.
• 😀 Political sociology is the study of the social impacts of political processes, specifically how resources are allocated and distributed in society.
• 😀 The lecture concludes with an invitation to discuss further in the comments section, offering an open space for continued dialogue.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'sociology'?

The word 'sociology' comes from the Latin word 'socius' meaning companion or friend, and the Greek word 'logos' meaning study or discourse. Together, they evolved into the concept of studying society.

How does the definition of sociology from Wolter M. Group differ from earlier interpretations?

Wolter M. Group defines sociology as the 'systematic analysis of the structure of social behavior,' emphasizing a structured and scientific approach to studying social interactions and society.

What does the term 'politics' originate from, and how is it defined today?

The term 'politics' originates from the Greek word 'politeia,' which referred to the city-state or polis in ancient Greece. Today, politics is understood as the process of allocating and distributing resources within society, focusing on who, what, and how.

What is meant by the term 'subversive' in political discussions?

'Subversive' refers to issues or ideas that threaten the established authority or power, often challenging or undermining the existing political structure.

What role does freedom of expression play in the concept of politics as defined by ancient Greek society?

In ancient Greek society, politics was seen as a space where individuals could freely express their ideas, engage in debates, and even discuss subversive topics without fear of repression, embodying the essence of the 'politeia' or city-state.

Who was Maurice Duverger, and what was his contribution to political sociology?

Maurice Duverger was a French sociologist who contributed significantly to the field of political sociology. He is known for describing politics as the 'face of Janus,' symbolizing the opposing forces inherent in political actions, which often result in binary oppositions like support versus opposition.

What is the significance of the 'Janus face' metaphor in Duverger's view of politics?

The 'Janus face' metaphor represents the dual nature of politics, where political actions and ideologies often lead to opposing viewpoints or outcomes, such as acceptance versus rejection or support versus opposition.

How does political discourse lead to binary oppositions, according to Duverger's theory?

Political discourse, according to Duverger, often results in binary oppositions because political processes, ideologies, and decisions typically provoke contrasting reactions, such as support and opposition, or approval and disapproval, with no simple resolution.

What example was given to illustrate binary opposition in political thought?

An example of binary opposition in politics mentioned in the lecture was the proposal to extend a president's term in office. This proposal led to strong support and opposition from different political factions, illustrating the idea of opposing forces.

What is the modern definition of political sociology, and how is it related to sociology and politics?

Political sociology is the study of the social impacts of political processes, specifically focusing on how resources are allocated and distributed within society. It connects the systematic analysis of social behavior (sociology) with the processes of resource distribution and political power (politics).