The module introduces students to the key conceptual debates and approaches in contemporary political sociology. The power relationship between the state and civil society is introduced, and the impact of recent social changes on this relationship is explored. Important and topical issues including globalisation, the rise of new social movements, neo-liberalism, citizenship, political culture and political participation are discussed and critiques of many key sociologists such as Giddens, Beck and Etzioni are presented. It is argued that the power of the state has not been undermined to the extent that is often assumed. Instead it is shown that the context within which the state governs has been changed by the rise of more diverse and critical civil societies within liberal democracy and by the development of global risks. The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to the key processes that are changing the nature of politics and society in the modern world.
Essentially, the Purpose of this Module is to deepen students understanding of the relationship between politics and society, more specifically, the state and civil society in a democratic state. It is therefore an exploration of the concepts of power, democracy, the state, civil society and their interdependent relationships.