Modern Approach
The genesis of modern approach to the study of comparative politics can be traced back to the publication of books entitled 'The Human Nature in Politics' (1925) by Graham Wallas and 'the Process of Government' by Aurther Bentley. They started of talking more and more in terms of informal processes of politics and less and less on the study of states and its political institutions in isolation. It is particularly after the World War II that led the writers of social sciences to start following interdisciplinary approach and thereby presenting their contribution which brought
about a basic transformation in the study of political science too.
David Easton, an American political scientist happened to be the leading figure in this direction who was subsequently followed by a host of other writers that includes Gabriel Almond, Karl Deutcsh, David Apter, Myron Weiner and many others.
According to the modern approach, in fact, more and more attention is directed to the study of non-governmental institutions,
social groups, political processes and the politically oriented behavior of individuals and groups. By and large, the scope of the
study of comparative politics has now been shifted from the institution themselves to the accumulation and exercise of powers
wherever it is found.
In this context, W. A. Robson has rightly said "The focus of interest of the political scientists is clear and unambiguous. It
centre's on the struggle to gain or to retain power, to exercise power or influence over others or to resist the exercise of power."
Modern Approach includes a variety of other approaches such as the Behavioral, Post Behavioral, Marxist approach etc. Failure of the traditional approach has led to the emergence of behavioral approach and as such the political scientists began to borrow from other allied disciplines such as sociology Anthropology. Psychology, Biology, Mathematics to make the
study of political science capable of understanding political
realities.
Features of Modern Approach
The modern Approach is characterized by the following features:
(i) Modern Approach is based on the empirical investigation of the relevant facts of the political system.
(ii) It makes Comparative study of all processes, structural-functions and political behavior of all political systems throughout the world.
(iii) The political system in modern approach is studied in the scientific way by conducting researches.
Features of Modern Approach
The modern Approach is characterized by the following features:
(i) Modern Approach is based on the empirical investigation of the relevant facts of the political system.
(ii) It makes Comparative study of all processes, structural-functions and political behavior of all political systems
throughout the world.
(iii) The political system in modern approach is studied in the scientific way by conducting researches.
(iv) Theory building and explanation of politics is the main objective of the modern Approach.
(v) In modern approach, emphasis is given on the study of socio-economic, cultural and psychological environments.
(vi) In modern approach, focus is made on the study of non western political system too.
Shortcomings of Modern Approach
The modern approach to the study of comparative politics like traditional approach is also defective. It suffers from a number of defects.
1. The various new concepts used by the scholars of new approaches in their studies like political development, political culture, political socialization are not definite and
clear. Scholars have different opinion regarding these concepts. In a sense, there is no universality regarding meaning of a particular concept.
2. In modern approach, the scholars have given more stress on behavioral study. While in behaviouralism data and verifiable facts are given prime importance, other factors
become secondary.
3. In modern approach, scholars have given more importance on studying the political system of developing countries compared to the developed countries simply because the
former have begun playing role in international political scenario especially in the post decolonization period.
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