UNIT-7A (Lecture-30) | POLITICS AND SOCIETY–

Sociological Theories of Power

CHAPTER 7: POLITICS AND SOCIETY
UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
➢ Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in
present scenario. (2021, 10 Marks, 150 Words)

➢ According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms”.
Comment. (2020, 20 marks, 250 words)

➢ What are the theoretical models of societal power? Which one of them is most
applicable in advanced industrial societies? (2019, 20 marks, 250 words)

➢ Discuss the concept of Circulation of Elite. (2019, 10 Marks, 150 Words)

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
➢ What according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of
Elites? Discuss. (2018, 10 marks, 150 words)

➢ Discuss the importance of “Power Elite” in democracy.

(2016, 10 Marks, 150 Words)

➢ “Power is not a zero-sum game”. Discuss with reference to

Weber’s and Parson’s views. (2014, 20 marks, 250 words)
1. Various Sociological Theories of Power
2. Power
➢ Introduction:

➢ Formal Definition: It refers to the possibility of imposing one’s will upon the behavior
of another person. In other words, Power consists of the ability to get your own way
even when others are opposed to your wishes.

➢ Examples:
3. Max Weber’s View on Power
3.1 Critical Evaluation of Weber’s Theory of Power
➢ Positive:

➢ Negative:
4. T. Parsons View on Power
4.1 Critical Evaluation of Parsons’s Theory
➢ Positive:

➢ Negative:
5. Pluralist View on Power
➢ About:

➢ Types of Pluralist Theories:

➢ Classical Pluralism:
5.1 Classical Pluralism Theory: More Information
➢ Similarities with Parsons Theory:

➢ Differences with Parsons Theory:

➢ Measuring Power:
5.1.2 Critical Evaluation of Pluralist Theory
➢ Positive:

➢ Negative:
5.2 Elite Pluralism View on Power
➢ About:

➢ Similarities with Classical Pluralists:

➢ Differences with Classical Pluralists:

5.2.1 Elite Pluralism: More Information
➢ Wyn Grant Pressure groups and Elite Pluralism:

➢ Overall Evaluation of Elite Pluralism:

Thank You