Behavioral Approach to Political Science: A Study

Political Science- I

Submitted By-

Krishna Ahuja

SM0118069

Faculty in Charge

Dr. Mayengbam Nandakishwor Singh

NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, ASSAM

GUWAHATI
Table of Contents

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………….2
1.1 Overview………………………………………………………………...2
1.2 Literature Review………………………………………………………..3
1.3 Research Question……………………………………………………….4
1.4 Scope and Objective……………………………………………………..4
1.5 Research Methodology…………………………………………………..4

2. Behavioral Approach to Political Science………………………………………...5

3. Characteristics of Behavioral Approach to Political Science……………………..8

4. Post Behavioral Challenge to Behavioral Approach……………………………..11

5. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………..13

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………...15

1
 CHAPTER – 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

Before studying different approaches to political science, it must be remembered that political
science is a branch of a larger area of social sciences and is different from natural sciences. The
methods and approaches to the study of political science and other social science discipline are,
therefore, different from the methods that are used in natural sciences. The approaches to the
study of political science can be broadly classified as; Traditional and modern, of which
behaviouralism which is our major concern fall into modern aspect.

After studying politics with the help of traditional approaches, the political thinkers of the latter
stage felt the necessity to study politic from a new perspective. Thus to minimize the deficiencies
and inadequacies of traditional approaches, a result various new approaches have been advocated
by the new political thinkers. These new approaches are regarded as the ‘modern approaches’ to
the study of political science. These approaches are mainly concerned with scientific study of
politics. In this discourse, however we are mainly concerned with behaviouralism or scientific
approach.

2
1.2 Literature Review
1. Neelam kant, Political Theory: Interpretations and Application
Kant's legal-political philosophy has a peculiar interpretive history even by Kantian
standards. Not only did it take extraordinarily long to receive much attention by the
scholarship at all, but Kantian inspired political theories received much more attention than
did Kant's own. For example, two of the most influential political theories of the last few
decades are those of Habermas and Rawls -- two Kantian positions that were initially
developed without taking Kant's own legal and political writings as their starting point.
Although Habermas has increasingly become preoccupied with and inspired by Kant's legal-
political philosophy -- and especially Kant's main writing on the issue, the Doctrine of Right
in The Metaphysics of Morals -- the same was never true of Rawls. Rawls was clearly
inspired by some of Kant's shorter, political essays, primarily in his thinking about global
justice in The Law of Peoples, but most of the Kantian ideas developed as part of his theory
of "justice as fairness" utilize core ideas in Kant's ethical writings, including some of those
captured by the categorical imperative.

2. Dr. Vidya Dhar Mahajan, Political Theory (Principles of Political Science), S.Chand &
Company pvt. Ltd, New Delhi
The book Deals with approaches to political analysis, methodology of political science, the
nature and scope of political science, politics and society, equality, property, justice, law
forms of governments, theory of separation of power, and Marxian theory on the functions of
the state. It has arranged data and information and helps in easy understanding and quick
grasp of a concept with basic details and covering basic definitions and explanations from
different perspectives and from the view point of different scholars, political scientists and
political thinkers. Overall the book is well equipped with information on various approaches
of political science.

3
 1.3 Research Questions

1. What is behavioral approach to Political Science?

2. What are the characteristics of behavioral approach to Political Science?
3. What are the post behavioral challenges?

1.4. Scope and Objective

Scope
This project tells us about the Behavioral Approach to Political Science. It also tells us
about the characteristics of Behavioral approach to Political Science. In the end of the
project post behavioral challenges.

Objective
The objective of this project are as follows:
➢ To study the Behavioral Approach to Political Science
➢ To study about the characteristics of Behavioral Approach
➢ To study about the Post Behavioral Approach

1.5. Research Methodology

In this project, researcher has adopted Doctrinal research. Doctrinal research is
essentially a library-based study, which means that the materials needed by a
researcher may be available in libraries, archives, and other data-bases. Various types
of books were used to get the adequate data essential for this project. Researcher also
used computer laboratory to get important data related to this topic. Researcher also
found several good websites which were very useful to better understand this topic.

4
 CHAPTER – 2
Behavioral Approach to Political Science

The behavioural approach to political science mainly emphasizes on scientific, objective and
value free study of political phenomenon. This approach stresses upon the use of empirical as
well as scientific methods of study political behavior. This approach shifts its emphasis from the
study of the state and government to the day-today problems, activities and behaviour of
individuals and groups. Behavioural approach has portraits individuals as center of attention and
examines their behaviour, actions and tries to comprehend them through a scientific outlook. To
Leslie Lipson, “The behavioural method records the details of what men do, seeking to explain
why they do...” David Easton, one of the prominent scholars of this school said about it as, “the
behavioural researcher wishes to look at the participants in the political system as individuals
who have the emotions, prejudices and pre-dispositions of human beings as we know them in our
daily lives.” Thus, behavioural approach studies the political behavior of individuals through an
empirical viewpoint. It studies the legislatures, voters, decision makers, policy makers etc. in a
scientific way and by correlating their activities and practices, tries to conceptualize.
Behavioural approach is based on some fundamental assumptions. Scholars like David Easton,
Kirkpatrick, Heinz Eulou etc have highlighted some basic characteristics of behaviouralism.
David Easton has laid down eight basic characteristics. These are Regularities, Verification,
Techniques, Quantification, Value free, Systematization, Pure Science and Integration.
According to Eulan and Eldersveld, Study of Human political Behavior, Empirical Methods,
Interdisciplinary Focus, Scientific Theory of Politics etc. are the main features of the approach.
From these we can draw a few common features of Behavioral Approach. These are –importance
of study political behavior, practice of theory and empirical research, use of scientific methods,
importance on inter-disciplinary studies, application of new techniques and exercise of value
neutral observation etc. In practice, behavioural approach studies political science through the
perspective of defining individuals and group behaviors empirically by using scientific, value-
neutral observations.

5
The behavioral approach brings to the fore, certain positive signs and makes the study of political
science more authentic. By using scientific methods of study political phenomenon, exercise of
value-neutrality in exploring human behaviour, the approach attempts to reach out a new height
of analysis the political aspects of society theoretically. Despite having these advantages,
behavioural approach to political science has been facing some criticisms on the following
grounds.1

Behavioural Approach advocates empirical study of individual behaviours. But all aspects of
individual behaviour can’t be observed and stated through empirical generalizations. Thus, the
approach loses the focal assumption, it has taken up. This approach is based on value-neutrality,
is also not practical. Because, in political science, we study human-behaviour and it cannot be
make a value-neutral discipline at any cost. Again critics pointed out that, in developing
countries a value-free study of political science will not be fruitful due to overlapping in political
structures, relations and activities. This approach gives more importance to individuals than
institutions. But critics say that without looking at institutions we can’t draw proper conclusion
as institutions hold prime importance in the subject matter of political science. Again one can
criticize the approach due to the large diversity and differences among the political scientist of
behavioural school itself. Here, we can derive the answer that though theoretically behavioralism
is a much applicable approach but that lakes fruitful application in practice.
After discussing the Behavioural Approach, we put light on the Post- Behavioural Approach to
develop a greater understanding of the prospects of Political Science. The Post-Behaviouural
Approach is such an approach which developed after witnessing the loopholes of Behavioral
Approach. Considering the popularity in 1940’s, Behavioural Approach has been one of the most
important approaches to Political Science. But in 1970’s, there was general dissatisfaction with
the achievements of behaviouralist as it failed to solve practical problems of the society and it led
to the emergence of the post-Behavioural Approach.

1 Dr. Vidya Dhar Mahajan, Political Theory (Principles of Political Science) (Fourth Edition), S.Chand &
Company pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.

6
The failure of the Behavioural Approach to make any real progress towards the objective of
building a scientific political theory compelled the behaviouralists to admit reforms in
Behavioural Approach and that result in Post- Behavioural Approach. David Easton, who at one
time was a Behaviouralist, criticized it for its limitations in later course. Thus, the Post-
Behavioural Approach complains that the Behavioural Approach had not taken into account
serious social matters.2

2 Shiviah. “THE BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH IN POLITICAL SCIENCE: An Essay on the Meaning and
Orientation of a Movement.” The Indian Journal of Political Science, vol. 30, no. 1, 1969, pp. 50–67. JSTOR

7
 CHAPTER – 3
Characteristics of Behavioural Approach to Political Science

The Important Characteristics of Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics are listed below:

1. Study of Human Political Behaviour:

Instead of political institutions, Behavioural Approach stands for the study of human behaviour
in politics. It places emphasis upon the study of both individual as well as group behaviour in
politics.

2. Empirical Methods:
Behavioural approach advocates the use of empirical methods of study involving data collection
through field methods, and analysis of data using statistical and mathematical measurement
techniques. It advocates a study of facts of political life.

3. Interdisciplinary Focus:
It advocates the study of politics with the help of knowledge drawn from other social sciences,
particularly sociology, psychology and anthropology. It even accepts the need to use concepts
drawn from natural sciences.

4. Scientific Theory of Politics:

Behavioural Approach rejects the traditional approach and theory of politics. It accepts and
advocates the need for building a scientific theory of politics. Political Theory should be as much
scientific and precise as are the natural sciences.

5. Regularities:
Behavioural Approach holds that there are discoverable uniformities in human political
behaviour. These can be expressed in generalizations or theories with explanatory and predictive
values.

8
6. Verification:

The validity of such generalizations has to be testable with reference to relevant behaviour. Only
empirically tested and verified generalisations about politics are to be admitted as valid.

7. Techniques:
Means for acquiring and interpreting data cannot be taken for granted. Several different
techniques can be found or formulated for observing, recording and analyzing behaviour. It
stands for adoption of appropriate tools of data collection and analysis.

8. Quantification:
Precision in the recording of data and the statement of findings require measurement and
quantification, not for their own sake, but only where possible, relevant and meaningful in the
light of other objectives. Use of mathematical and statistical methods of data analysis has to be
made.

9. Value-free Study or Value Neutrality:

“Ethical evaluation and empirical explanation involve two different propositions. For the sake of
clarity, these should be kept analytically distinct. Study of Politics has to be empirical and value-
free. Values have to be kept out of empirical study of facts.

10. Systematization:
Research ought to be systematic. It means that, theory and research are to be seen as closely
inter-twined parts of a coherent and orderly body of knowledge. Conscious efforts have to be
made for building a scientific theory of Politics.

11. Pure Science:

The application of knowledge is as much a part of the scientific enterprise as theoretical
understanding. But the understanding and explanation of political behaviour logically precede
and provide the basis for efforts to utilize political knowledge in the solution of urgent practical
problems of society. It admits and advocates a link between theoretical understanding and
practical application of knowledge.

9
12. Integration:

Because the social sciences deal with the whole human situation, the political research cannot
ignore the findings of the other disciplines.

Recognition of interrelationship between Political Science and other social sciences can provide
immense help to bring political science back to its status of earlier centuries and ensure its return
to the main fold of the social sciences. In other words, Behaviouralism accepts interdisciplinary
focus.3

3 “12 Important Characteristics of Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics.” World's Largest Collection of
Essays! Published by Experts, 23 Sept. 2015, www.shareyouressays.com/knowledge/12-important-characteristics-
of-behavioural-approach-to-the-study-of-politics/112594.

10
 CHAPTER – 4
Post Behavioral Challenge to Behavioral Approach

After remaining popular for almost two decades (1940-60), the Behavioural Approach got
transformed into Post-Behaviouralism. Twenty years of behavioural research brought to light its
limitations and weaknesses.
The failure to make any real progress towards the objective of building a scientific political
theory compelled the behaviouralists to admit reforms in the light of their experiences with
behavioural research. They accepted several reforms and the exercise got the name Post-
Behaviouralism.

Post-Behaviouralism did not constitute a return to the traditional approach. It accepted the merit
of Behaviouralism but at the same time advocated the need to reform it. The Post-
Behaviouralists were reformed behaviouralists. Post-Behaviouralism emerged as a reform
movement within Behaviouralism.
Post-Behaviouralists now advocated ‘Relevance’ and ‘Action’ as two guiding goals and accepted
the need for the study of values in Politics.

Relevance meant study of all the realities, brute realities of politics. Mere development of
techniques and methods was not enough. Political Science must give primary importance to the
study of the social realities and social change. It should not be conservative and static in
approach and efforts.

Action meant the responsibility of the political scientists to act in the political process. It stood
for the use of knowledge and understanding of politics for helping the society to develop by
adopting the valued reforms.

The Post - Behaviouralists accepted the responsibility of getting involved in the process of social
change through social action. Tota 4 l concentration on the development of techniques and

4 O.P.Gauba, AN INRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY,6TH ed., 2013

11
methods for building a scientific theory of politics was held to be inadequate. It was to be
supplemented by willing and purposive involvement in social action for social change.5

The transformation of the Behavioural Approach into Post-Behaviouralism increased the

acceptability of this approach. The advocates of traditional approach now came forward to accept
the importance and need of empirical-scientific methods of study and the behavioural view of
politics.

The Behaviouralists turned Post-behaviouralists also came forward to accept the importance of
the study of values in politics as well as some merit of the traditional normative approach.
Normativism and Empiricism came closer and the subject-matter of Political Science came to
include both traditional as well as modern features.

The attempt to develop an integrated theory of politics—an Empirical-Normative theory of

politics got initiated. This attempt is still being made by the modern political scientists.

Modern Political scientists have been using both empirical-scientific approaches like, Systems
Approached, Structural Functional Approach, Communication Approach, Decision-making
Approach, Game Approach as well as Political Economy Approach, Political Sociology
Approach.

It also accepted value of Philosophical, Historical and Legal- Institutional Approaches for
studying some dimensions of politics. Several of them also depend upon the Marxist Approach
which is a sociological approach to the study of politics. Out of all modern approaches, the
Systems Approach has been the most popular approach.6

5 Beardsley, Philip L. “A Critique of Post-Behavioralism.” Political Theory, vol. 5, no. 1, 1977, pp. 97–111. JSTOR,
JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/191149.

12
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

Approach today, particularly as it relates to political science has so many connotations and
denotations. It is a word which means different things to different people. An approach is closely
related to theory, the nature of a theory is determined by the approach but the character of an
approach determines the character of generalization, explanation, prediction which is the main
functions of a theory. According to Chandra p. (1979) “An approach is a set of standards
governing the inclusion and exclusion of questions and data of academic purpose” so from the
above definition by Chandra we can deduce that every inclusion and exclusion of questions and
data of academic purpose as it relates to political study is highly governed by approaches. As
approach is closely related to theory, a theory is a body of inter racially consistent empirical
generalizations of descriptive, predictive and explanatory power. (David Singer). It is a
technique or method of selecting problems and data as they relate to a specific phenomenon. It
can also be taken as a way of understanding and explaining the reality of concern to political
thinker or theorist. Thus an approach in political science is often seen as a realistic guide for
understanding political reality.
The most important thing to note having noted the aforementioned approaches is that, all have
their own perception which deals with some specific instances, but are however linked to the
general principle of political science. These approaches are also known as frame work, methods,
and paradigm, theories etc. used to analyze political events or phenomena, depending on one’s
area of study. The approaches are set up by the political scientists according to their own view
and field of study in politics. The aim of these approaches is to give a classical meaning to the
study of political science by examining political ideologies and to familiarize those studying
politics with the key concept in normative political theory, and to imbibe theoretical thinking and
understanding of politics. These approaches also provide the theoretical framework and tools for
political discourse, analysis and empirical political research. However it wouldn’t be an
overstatement to say that these approaches are the building blocks or tools of political science.
Having mentioned the approaches in political science, our major concern in this discourse is
13
concentrated on behaviouralist or scientific approach, but it is worthy of note that this
approaches can be used as well to analyze domestic politics, foreign policy, diplomacy,
international politics and international relations. As we are concerned with behavioural approach
in this discourse, we shall be looking fully at what behavoural approach is all about in
subsequent pages.

14
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books used

➢ Dr. Neelam Kant, An Introduction to Political Science,2nd ed.

➢ Dr. Vidya Dhar Mahajan, Political Theory (Principles of Political Science) (Fourth
Edition), S.Chand & Company pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.

➢ O.P.Gauba, An Inroduction to Political Theory,6TH ed., 2013.

➢ “12 Important Characteristics of Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics.” World's

Largest Collection of Essays! Published by Experts, 23 Sept. 2015,
www.shareyouressays.com/knowledge/12-important-characteristics-of-behavioural-
approach-to-the-study-of-politics/112594.

➢ Shiviah. “The Behavioural Approach in Political Science: An Essay on the Meaning and
Orientation of a Movement.” The Indian Journal of Political Science, vol. 30, no. 1, 1969,
pp. 50–67. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/41854307.

➢ Beardsley, Philip L. “A Critique of Post-Behavioralism.” Political Theory, vol. 5, no. 1,

1977, pp. 97–111. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/191149

15