David Easton Natalia Rogova M 5521
Born in Toronto in 1917 Earned his Ph. D in Harward University in 1947 Started his career at University Of Chicago in 1947 A former President of the American Political Science Association (1968 -1969) Since 1984 – Vice President in American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Contribution to the political science Systematic analysis of the political system (“The political system” 1953, “A framework for political analysis” 1965, “A systems analysis of political life” 1965) Study of the problems of political socialization
According to David Easton political system: 1. is a developing and self regulating organism 2. consists of many parts that form a unit The main purpose - the authoritative allocation of values in society
Model of the political system according to Easton
Advantages of the Easton’s model Pulses on the "input" and "output" are usually related Allows the political system to ensure management of society Regulates the production and distribution of social benefits by government mechanisms, organize political relations in society Allows to visualize the position and conditions of functioning of the political system, to predict the consequences of political decisions
Disadvantages of the Easton’s model Doesn’t explain why the government sometimes makes decisions that don’t come from citizen demands Doesn’t reveal the internal structure and functioning of certain specific elements of the political system, doesn’t show its internal contradictions Superficial account of psychological and personal aspects of political interactions
