APPROACHES IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

 Name : Muhammad Imam

 NPM : 1206272620

Introduction :

The approach is a way to obtain the knowledge, based on observation of certain things.

Some approaches in political science are legal constitutional approach, behavioral approach,

neo Marxis approach, rational choice approach, and new institutionalism approach.

Here they are:

1. 

Legal Institutional Approach

State as the center of power is the core of the legal institutional approach. Legal

institutional approach developed in the 19th century,yet world wars happened and the

dominant role of the state in people's lives. The focus of this approach is constitutional and

 juridical side. The point of discussion concerning traditional laws, sovereignty, the position

of formal authority and jurisdiction of the state agencies.

2.  Behavioral Approach

Behavioral approaches occured and developed in America in the 1950's after World

War II. This approach arises because the dynamic nature of science and as the critics for legal

institutional approach which not provide answers to many political events that occurred. It

has philosophy that study human behavior is better because it is real can be observed. This

view considers human as a social system. For example, suppose if we want to study the

measures taken by the president, then we will discuss the president psychological factors, the

condition of the people is concerned, legislative role, president’s interaction, etc.

3.  Neo Marxis Approach

 Neo Marxis approach was born, in Western Europe and America in the decade of 

the 60's. This approach was born as in Western Europe and America faced racial conflict,

economic, and social. Economic inequalities was obviously seen in society, where the rich

get richer and the poor get poorer. By seeing these concerns , it was appeared the movement

 

to reexamine Marx's thought, as an alternative solution. The group is adding the word "neo"

to distinguish it from the classical Marxist communist inclined.

4. 

Rational Choice Approach

This approach appears in a stable condition of the world. Many Country in the world

is still under heavy economic construction. Homo politicus has shifted to homo economicus.

Every human must act based on the limitations of himself. It believes that we can predict

human behavior by knowing the interests of the actors (human) itself. The essence of politics

according to the individual as they are the most important actors in politics world. As a

rational human being, he always have the goals that reflect what they might have wanted.

This approach led to criticism because it makes people especially politicians as selfish

creatures.

5.  New Institutionalism Approach

 New institutionalism looked institutions in the country as thing that can be

improved. By bringing together their vision, institution can be improved to achieve a

common goals. New institutionalism views human beings as political actors can work 

together to solve a problem. And every society in spite of having a personal interest, must

also have a common interest. To accommodate all needs, we need an institution that can

effectively accommodate the opinion of political actors to determine the common interest.

Conclusion :

The approaches in political science running as the time goes. Starting with a legal

institutional approach that focus on the shape of the ideal state. After that the behavioral

approach comes by looking at the behavior of political actors as an object of political

research. Then neo Marxis approach who demands an active political participation of every

class. Rational choice approach and the last new institutionalism approach. A plenty

approaches in understanding politics has added the wealth of political science itself.

 

REFERENCES

  Budiarjo, Miriam.2008. Dasar-Dasar Ilmu Politik . Jakarta: Gramedia.