This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of political phenomena. The focus is on the influence of cultural, social and economic factors on political democracy in the Western world. In the first part, the origins of political democracy will be analyzed. In the second part the main transformations of democratic institutions will be discussed, drawing attention to social and cultural changes and their influence over interest groups, social movements and political parties.
Students attending the course:
Assigned readings are available on MOODLE/UNIFI
Students non-attending the course:
- L. Ceccarini, I. Diamanti, Tra politica e società. Fondamenti, trasformazioni e prospettive, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018.
- G. Poggi, Lo Stato. Natura, sviluppo, prospettive, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1992 (capp. III, IV, VII,VIII).
Learning Objectives
Students attending this course will be able to analyze how cultural, social and economic factors may influence political institutions. They will also acquire a basic knowledge of the main differences in the institutional setting of contemporary democracies and of the challenges brought about by social change to the operation and vitality of political democracy.
Prerequisites
Teaching Methods
Lectures.
Seminars and discussions on specific topics.
Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended to all students.
Further information
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Type of Assessment
Written exam based on essay questions
Course program
This course first provides an introduction to the basic concepts and main analytical tools of political sociology. Next, attention focuses on the main features of political institutions before democracy: the feudal system of rule, the new role of cities and Ständestaat, the absolutist state and the constitutional state. Then, particular attention is drawn to the social origins of representative democracy and the emergence of the liberal-democratic state. In the second part, the major social changes and their influence on democracy are discussed: since the early Parliamentarianism, to the rise of mass parties and the Party democracy, up to the contemporary “Audience “ democracy and the fears of a Post-Democracy.