BPSC-101: Understanding Political Theory
Assignment Code: BPSC-101/ASST/TMA/2024-25
Marks: 100
Programme: BAPSH/BAFPS/BAM
Session: 2024–25
Assignment – I
(Answer the following in about 500 words each)
1. Discuss the Normative Approach to Political Theory.
The normative approach to political theory is one of the foundational methods through which
political thought has traditionally been analyzed. It is primarily concerned with the evaluation
and prescription of political values, focusing on questions of what ought to be rather than
what is. This approach is rooted in moral philosophy and seeks to establish ideal principles
and standards for political organization, justice, governance, and authority.
At its core, the normative approach is prescriptive. It does not merely describe political
phenomena but offers judgments and recommendations about how political institutions
should function and what values they should uphold. Normative theorists explore concepts
such as justice, liberty, equality, rights, and the common good, aiming to guide political
action toward these ideals.
Historically, the normative approach can be traced back to classical political philosophy, with
thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle. Plato’s Republic, for instance, presents a vision of an ideal
state governed by philosopher-kings, guided by justice and rational order. Aristotle, in his
Politics, examined various forms of government and evaluated them based on ethical principles,
advocating for a polity that promotes virtue and the well-being of its citizens.
In the modern period, normative political theory was further developed by social contract
theorists such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, who debated the origin and legitimacy of
political authority and the rights of individuals. John Rawls, in the 20th century, revitalized
normative theory through his work A Theory of Justice, proposing principles of justice based on
fairness and a hypothetical “original position.”
One of the key features of the normative approach is its focus on ethical reasoning. It
employs logical and philosophical arguments to justify political norms. For example,
discussions on human rights are grounded in normative reasoning, often invoking universal
moral standards.
Critics of the normative approach argue that it can be too abstract or idealistic, disconnected
from the empirical realities of politics. The rise of empirical and behavioral approaches in
the 20th century led to a temporary decline in normative theory, as political science shifted
focus toward observable behavior and measurable outcomes. However, the normative approach
has regained significance, especially in debates concerning global justice, multiculturalism,
environmental ethics, and democracy.
In conclusion, the normative approach to political theory plays a crucial role in shaping our
understanding of the ethical foundations of political life. While it may not always provide
definitive answers, it stimulates critical reflection on the values that underlie political
structures and processes, offering visionary insights for the betterment of society.
2. What do you understand by politics? Explain.
The term politics encompasses a wide range of meanings and interpretations, but at its
essence, it refers to the process through which power and resources are distributed and
exercised within a society. It involves the making of collective decisions, the governance of
communities, and the negotiation of conflicting interests in both formal and informal
settings.
From a traditional perspective, politics has been primarily associated with the affairs of the
state and government. This view, often termed the institutional approach, focuses on
formal political institutions such as the legislature, executive, judiciary, political parties, and
electoral systems. In this sense, politics is seen as the art of government or public
administration. Political thinkers like Max Weber defined politics as the striving to share
power or to influence the distribution of power within a state.
However, modern political theory has significantly expanded the scope of politics. It is no
longer confined to state-centric activities but is understood as a pervasive social activity that
operates across multiple spheres of life, including civil society, economy, family, and
international relations. David Easton, a leading political scientist, defined politics as the
“authoritative allocation of values in a society.” This definition highlights politics as a process
through which authoritative decisions are made regarding who gets what, when, and how.
Politics also involves the concepts of power, authority, legitimacy, and conflict. Power is the
ability to influence or control the behavior of others, while authority refers to the legitimate use
of power, often backed by the consent of the governed. Legitimacy, in turn, ensures the
stability of political authority by securing voluntary acceptance from the populace. Conflict
arises when different individuals or groups pursue divergent interests, making politics a means
to manage and resolve such conflicts through dialogue, compromise, or institutional
mechanisms.
Furthermore, politics is inherently ideological. It is shaped by competing visions of the good
society, as proposed by various ideologies like liberalism, socialism, conservatism, feminism,
and others. These ideologies influence political action and public policy by offering different
frameworks for interpreting justice, equality, freedom, and rights.
In democratic societies, politics plays a vital role in ensuring participation, accountability,
and representation. It provides mechanisms such as elections, public debates, and civil
society engagement through which citizens influence decision-making processes. Political
participation enables individuals to assert their interests and hold public officials accountable.
In conclusion, politics is a dynamic and multidimensional activity that permeates all aspects
of social life. It is not limited to formal structures but is a continuous process of negotiating
interests, exercising power, and shaping collective life. Understanding politics is essential
for understanding how societies are organized, governed, and transformed.
Assignment – II
(Answer the following in about 250 words each)
1. Write a note on Classical Liberalism.
Classical liberalism is a political ideology that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in
response to absolute monarchy and feudal privileges. It champions individual liberty, limited
government, private property, and free markets. The foundations of classical liberalism lie
in the works of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Adam Smith, and Montesquieu.
At its core, classical liberalism emphasizes the sovereignty of the individual and regards
human beings as rational agents capable of making independent decisions. Locke’s theory of
natural rights—life, liberty, and property—laid the groundwork for liberal political philosophy.
He argued that governments must be based on the consent of the governed and must exist to
protect individual rights.
Economically, Adam Smith promoted the idea of laissez-faire capitalism, believing that free
markets and competition lead to the most efficient allocation of resources. He advocated
minimal state interference, except for protecting property rights, enforcing contracts, and
ensuring national defense.
Politically, classical liberalism supports constitutionalism, rule of law, and representative
democracy. It views the role of the state as a neutral arbiter, ensuring liberty and order
without becoming authoritarian.
Despite its emphasis on liberty, classical liberalism has been criticized for neglecting social
and economic inequalities. This gave rise to modern liberalism, which emphasizes state
intervention to ensure equal opportunities and social welfare.
Overall, classical liberalism laid the ideological foundation for liberal democracies and
remains influential in contemporary debates on governance and the economy.
2. What do you understand by Dialectical Materialism? Elaborate.
Dialectical materialism is a philosophical framework developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich
Engels, which forms the core of Marxist theory. It combines the dialectical method of Hegel
with materialism, offering a scientific analysis of historical and social development.
The term “dialectics” refers to a process of contradiction and resolution, where progress
occurs through the clash of opposing forces. Unlike Hegel, who viewed ideas as the primary
driver of change, Marx applied this method to material conditions, especially economic
structures.
Materialism asserts that the material conditions of life—especially the modes of
production and economic relations—determine social, political, and intellectual life.
Marx argued that human history is shaped by the struggle between opposing social classes
arising from economic contradictions. For example, the conflict between the bourgeoisie
(owners of capital) and the proletariat (working class) is the driving force of capitalist society.
This struggle, according to dialectical materialism, leads to revolutionary change. The
contradictions within capitalism, such as exploitation and inequality, will eventually result in
its overthrow and the establishment of a classless, communist society.
Dialectical materialism rejects idealism and emphasizes praxis—the unity of theory and
practice. It seeks not only to understand the world but also to change it.
In essence, dialectical materialism provides a scientific and revolutionary approach to
analyzing and transforming society, positioning class struggle as the engine of historical
progress.
3. What is the Second Wave of Feminism? Explain.
The Second Wave of Feminism refers to a period of feminist activity that began in the 1960s
and continued through the 1980s, particularly in Western societies. While the First Wave had
focused on legal issues, especially women’s suffrage, the second wave broadened the scope to
include social, cultural, and economic inequalities.
This wave was deeply influenced by Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex and Betty Friedan’s
The Feminine Mystique, which criticized the relegation of women to domestic roles and
challenged the notion that women's identity must be derived from their relationships with men.
Second-wave feminists focused on issues such as:
● Reproductive rights (e.g., access to contraception and abortion)
● Workplace discrimination
● Domestic violence
● Sexual harassment
● Representation in politics and media
They also emphasized the personal as political, arguing that personal experiences (e.g., family
roles, sexuality) were deeply connected to systemic structures of oppression.
This wave saw the rise of radical feminism, liberal feminism, and socialist feminism, each
with differing approaches to dismantling patriarchy. Liberal feminists pushed for legal
reforms; radical feminists challenged patriarchal culture and sexuality; socialist feminists
highlighted the intersections of capitalism and patriarchy.
Although successful in bringing about legislative changes (e.g., anti-discrimination laws),
second-wave feminism faced criticism for primarily representing the concerns of white,
middle-class women, neglecting race, class, and global perspectives—issues later addressed by
Third Wave Feminism.
Certainly! Here is the final section of your assignment:
Assignment – III
(Answer the following in about 100 words each)
1. Examine Jean François Lyotard as a Post-modernist Thinker.
Jean François Lyotard is renowned for his contribution to post-modern political theory. In The
Postmodern Condition (1979), he critiques modernist ideologies and introduces the concept of
“incredulity toward metanarratives.” He argues that overarching narratives—such as progress,
reason, or universal truth—are no longer valid in contemporary society. Instead, knowledge is
fragmented and contextual. Lyotard emphasized pluralism, diversity, and skepticism, rejecting
the idea that one theory can explain all aspects of human experience. His thought influenced
critical theory, highlighting the role of language, power, and localized truths in shaping
political and social life.
2. Distinguish between Procedural and Substantive Democracy.
Procedural democracy emphasizes formal mechanisms such as regular elections, universal
suffrage, and political competition. It focuses on the means through which governments are
chosen. However, substantive democracy goes beyond elections to stress outcomes like social
justice, equality, and inclusiveness. While procedural democracy may exist even in systems with
limited citizen empowerment, substantive democracy ensures that democratic processes lead to
real participation and the protection of rights. The latter is more concerned with whether the
system serves the interests of all citizens, especially the marginalized.
3. Write a Note on Representation in Democracy.
Representation in democracy refers to the process by which citizens elect individuals to act on
their behalf in political decision-making. It allows large societies to be governed effectively
while maintaining legitimacy. Representation upholds principles like popular sovereignty,
political accountability, and periodic elections. Thinkers like J.S. Mill advocated
representative government as a way to balance governance with liberty. There are different
models of representation, including trustee, delegate, and mandate theories, reflecting
different expectations of how representatives should act. It remains a core feature of modern
democratic systems.
4. Discuss Democracy and Elections.
Elections are fundamental to democracy, serving as the main method through which citizens
express their political will. They ensure accountability, legitimacy, and peaceful transitions
of power. For elections to be democratic, they must be free, fair, regular, and based on
universal adult suffrage. In representative democracies, elections bridge the gap between the
government and the governed. However, procedural elections alone are insufficient if they do
not result in meaningful participation or reflect genuine choices. True democracy requires
that elections empower citizens and uphold the rule of law and human rights.
5. Explain the Meaning of Participation.
Participation refers to the active engagement of citizens in political processes, such as voting,
protesting, campaigning, or joining public debates. It is crucial for the functioning and
legitimacy of democracy. Political thinkers like Rousseau and J.S. Mill stressed the
importance of participation for civic virtue and social cohesion. Participation can be
conventional (e.g., voting) or unconventional (e.g., civil disobedience). Higher participation
leads to better representation and responsiveness from the government. Lack of participation,
on the other hand, can result in alienation, apathy, and the weakening of democratic
institutions.
