Theories of the State Summary
www.educationforum.co.uk
Definitions
 The modern state emerged in the 16th century in western Europe
 Max Weber defines it as ‘ a human community that successfully
claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within
a given territory’
 Andrew Heywood (2002) defines the State using 5 ideas
1. The State is ‘sovereign’ – it has power over all other groups
2. State power is legitimate, right and legal. State decisions are
binding on everyone
3. The State can use force/violence when order breaks down
4. The State governs a defined geographical area and everyone that
lives therein
5. State institutions are ‘public’ institutions and are responsible for
enforcing collective decisions
Pluralist Theory
Weathervane model – state policy is directed (blown like a
weathervane) by public opinion and pressure groups
The Neutral State model – state seen as an impartial referee
between competing interest groups
The broker state model – state has its own agenda (not
completely neutral) but its main role is to broker deals
between various interest groups
Theorists – Dahl, Dunleavy and O’Leary
Marxist Theory
‘The executive of the modern State is but a committee for managing
the affairs of the whole bourgeoisie’ (Marx Communist Manifesto
1848)
Instrumentalists (Milliband) – the state rules in the interests of the
ruling class because state officials and elite members share the
same background
Structuralists (Poulantzas) – the state supports capitalism because it
is part of the embedded structure of society
Hegemonic (Gramsci) – the state maintains capitalism rule through
the power of ideas – hegemonic and ideological control of the
superstructure.
However the State occasionally has to resort to violence to keep
control because of the contradictions intrinsic to capitalist society
i.e. class conflict – (Offe)
New Right or Neo Liberal theory
 Very critical of the modern ‘expanded’ state
Intervenes too much in the economy and distorts the
market
2. Interferes too much in the lives of citizens – ‘the nanny
state’
3. Creates dependency culture through benefit system
4. Seeks to ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ through
privatisation, welfare reform and marketisation
Theorists – Murray, Saunders
Politicians – Thatcher, Cameron, Gove, Blair (Third Way
ideas influenced by New Right thinking)
1.
State Centred Theories
 Instead of seeing the State as a reflection of power within
society, state centred theories argue that the State acts
independently and frequently acts in its own interests
 Eric Nordlinger – the state often acts independently and
clearly has its own agenda – e.g. Votes on death penalty
always go against public opinion.
 Theda Skocpol – states have their own priorities and goals
and acts independently to promote these
Globalisation and the State
 Globalisation has reduced the power of the nation State which
cannot compete with the power of TNCs
 As a response some states have banded together in larger political
units like the EU which has resulted in some loss of sovereignty
for nation states
 Theorists – Giddens – the State has lost powers but has a future
but global problems need to be tackled on a global level –
pollution, global warming, pandemics, financial crises
David Held – nation state should be replaced by ‘global
democracy
Leslie Sklair – nation states increasingly overshadowed by TNCs –
global capitalism creating global problems at an alarming rate due
to the relentless pursuit of profit
Review the lessons
 Definitions
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/state.htm
 Pluralist Theories
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/pluraliststate.htm
 Marxist theories
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/marxiststate.htm
New Right Theories
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/newrightstate.htm
 Globalisation and the State
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/Globalisation_and_the_
Decline_of_the_Nation_State.ppt
Summary
http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/statesummary.htm
Revision Guide
 Read pages 150-151 and make note of additional studies
 Then complete the practice questions and exam question on
page 151
 Use white text book for general reading – complete ‘check
my understanding’ and attempt exam practice