Political parties are central to democratic life, yet there is no standard definition to describe them or the role they occupy. "Voter-centered" theoretical approaches suggest that parties are the mere recipients of voter interests and loyalties. "Party-centered" approaches, by contrast, envision parties that polarize, democratize, or dominate society. In addition to offering isolated and competing notions of democratic politics, such approaches are also silent on the role of the state and are unable to account for organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the African National Congress, which exhibit characteristics of parties, states, and social movements simultaneously.
In this timely book, Cedric de Leon examines the ways in which social scientists and other observers have imagined the relationship between parties and society. He introduces and critiques the full range of approaches, using enlivening comparative examples from across the globe. Cutting through a vast body of research, de Leon offers a succinct and lively analysis that outlines the key thinking in the field, placing it in historical and contemporary context. The resulting book will appeal to students of sociology, political science, social psychology, and related fields.
About the Author
Cedric de Leon is associate professor of sociology at Providence College.
Features
Provides a timely and long-anticipated overview of how to think about political parties and their roles in society
Offers indispensable introductions to and critical analysis of diverse theories of party-state relations
Draws on illuminating global examples, from traditional parties of Western democracies, to international groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood
Concise, academically rigorous and yet clearly and accessibly written, making it highly suitable for students of sociology and political science
