Political Process Theory - Essay Example

Political Process Theory Introduction The concept of political process is the backbone of sociology as it discusses the widerand broader perspective about the subject. Throughout the years, sociologists have researched on the political process emergence and reevaluations in the society and have discussed precisely about this respective process. Political process theory is basically a move towards political sociology examination which illustrates social moments and its outcomes. This is a very useful strategy which develops great understanding of the subject. It is also referred as the political opportunity theory. The explanation of the theory prevails that the failure or success of a movement is highly influenced by the social opportunities which occur during its reign (Meyers & Minkoff, 2004, p.1458). Utilizing the political opportunities wisely is the name of the game. Social theorists also believe that prior action plan made accordingly can lead to ultimate victory however appropriate planning during the movement and afterwards is necessary. Political process theory also acknowledges the fact that success is a temporary thing; so in order to keep the tenure of success strong and long lasting, proper planning & developments must be done ‎(Meyers & Minkoff, 2004, p.1458). ‎ The reasons identified which are basically the cause of emergence of this whole process are principally the deprived segments of the society who do not get their legitimate share in the system. The theory also suggests that politics is a game of chess which one has to play with great care as a single wrong move can take the whole group into destruction. Therefore appropriate strategic planning and management is the path of success (Beyeler & Rucht, 2010, p. 21). Central Idea & Theme Political process theory is presenting a certain well defined agenda, mobilizing the people towards the agenda, and implementing accurate strategies to reach agenda & targeting the mainstream people and institutions that are enjoying the power. The uprising of social movements on a centralized platform with a clear motto and demands for rights is the main theme of political process theory (Meyers & Minkoff, 2004, p.1461). History gives thousands of social movements which took place under the light of political process theory and thus leaded to success. The movement by Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Amilcar Cabral are the renowned examples which guide as a light in studying and discussing this theory. The central idea remains that how to react on the political opportunities which come during the struggle movement. Sometimes in the beginning of some movements opportunities are provided by the opposition parties which are basically a trap. Now wisely reaction on those opportunities is the name of the game. However leaving the primary agenda before reaching the iron throne can bring horrible outcomes among the social moments. Various cultural & research analysts have portrayed that fundamental course of action must be distinguished and renowned and strategies management and processing must be done in such a way that there would be no errors and ambiguities in future endeavors. The biggest demise of social moments is due to leaving the main agenda of the movement and gets settled on other issues. Focus is must and shifting of focus can bring horrible outcomes (Meyers & Minkoff, 2004, p.1464). Core Components The political process theory is made up of three essential components that are insurgent consciousness, organizational strength and political opportunities. Insurgent consciousness is basically the gathering of people in the society about certain irrationality and grievances which are present in the society. With an intention to bring the change in the current system is their vision and thus they assemble and either create or become a part of the movement. The activists are not the ones who choose the path and direction of the movement however they agree to the agenda prevalent (Meyers & Minkoff, 2004, p.1475). In this regard we can take the primary example of Amilcar Cabral who stood against the Portuguese dictatorship in Africa. During his student years, he was able to found a student movement whose aim was liberation of Portuguese colonies and Africa and oppose Portuguese dictatorship. He had numerous individuals under his influence (Bienen, 1977, p. 24). Organizational strength is the second main component of the theory which discusses that strong, powerful, efficient and eminent leadership is required for the movements along with sufficient amount of resources. For any work in the world; money and resources is the backbone and without it no prior functioning can take place. On the other hand; critically acclaimed, acknowledged, well renowned speaker and motivator is required for organizational strength. The leader must also know how to utilize resources properly and activate people within the organization. Watching with an eagle’s eye and then making timely decisions efficiently is necessary (Beyeler & Rucht, 2010, p. 27). The leader acts as the role model who not only activates other members of the party but also ensures their abilities and strength to a wider spectrum by giving them confidence. Those confident individuals are then given prominent positions among the organizations and are asked to recruit and train people more and more into the movement so that the outcomes would be colossal. Amilcar Cabral founded PAIGC, a renowned social movements for the rights of fellow African people in 1956. The theme and agenda was to send back the Portuguese from their homeland and get their country free. His nationalist movement’s establishment and line of action act as guidelines for the social activists (Bienen, 1977, p.49). Political opportunity is the last and most important component of the political process theory as it discusses that how opportunities are created when an invader occupies a lies; the social activists are asked to receive wealth and prominent positions in the power so that they would eradicate the main idea. Some opportunist movement activists find an easy path in getting limited power and wealth while the true fighters and patriots fight for their legal rights (Beyeler & Rucht, 2010, p. 34). The Amilcar Cabral example again is the main source of inspiration who nonstop led the guerilla war for his homeland from 1963-73. He demanded that Portuguese dictatorship would leave his homeland and go back quietly but he had to face the music by then (Cabral, 1979, p. 17). Cabral’s PAIGC’s guerilla war is considered as the best war for independence in the history of Africa as he made strong and powerful moves against the opposition and brought respect and honor to his fellow countrymen. He was the commander in chief of the PAIGC guerilla war from 1963-73. Cabral’s thinking, philosophy and intellect was highly regarded in the international spectrum and in a state of war with limited resources was only due to his great presence of mind. He was able to move the Portuguese forces from Guinea-Bissau. He also got many opportunities in this whole war regime to get settled but he chose a life of honour and respect by fighting against the intruders (Bienen, 1977, p.68). Renowned Moments The political process theory has a vast following as this had led to many successful endeavours. Amilcar Cabral PAIGC Guerrilla Movement in Guinea-Bissau, Martin Luther King movement in getting African Americans rights in America and Malcolm X social movement for change in the system are famous social movements which acknowledge the fact that they utilized the path of political process theory. Especially the Cabral PAIGC Guerrilla Movement in Guinea-Bissau discusses that how rights are taken properly. The gathering of people, establishment of party, recruiting the right people and training them appropriately was sheer intelligence of Amilcar Cabral which led to the independence of Guinea-Bissau (Cabral, 1979, p.5). Cabral continuous struggle and determination towards the goal is commendable as historians, cultural and research analysts call him one of the greatest think-tank, philosopher, warrior and intellect of the mid 1990’s. Unfortunately Cabral was unable to see the result of his strive and struggle as he was assassinated in 1973, eight months before Guinea-Bissau independence but his movement certainly changed the life of Africans from slavery to freedom. Cabral’s brother therefore leaded the movement after his death and reached triumph ultimately becoming the President of Guinea-Bissau (Bienen, 1977, p.75). Martin Luther King’s movement is also a highly respectable and reputed social change movement which carries colossal importance. He spent his whole life in striving for the rights of African Americans living in U.S. His life clearly depicts that how much strive he did and how much opportunities he was offered at that time to keep his mouth shut but he continued to struggle for the equality and justice. He was also assassinated in 1968 but his words, speeches and work are remembered by the people of every colour, cast and religion. The speech of “I have a dream” was the most powerful tool used by him and he made his opponents clear that he wants equality and justice. The movements illustrated above show concise review about the political process theory. Conclusion The political process theory elaborates all the essential issues which are the backbone of a strong and powerful moment. However some analysts believe that there are some shortcomings in the theory too. The critical acclamation and response from most of the sociologists is however positive and promising. The critics of this theory respond that structurally and logically there are some broad words utilized in the theory which can lead to misunderstanding of audience. The word opportunity precisely discusses the negative and positive response of the activists and people may understand it in the wrong way. The doors of the word opportunity must be defined and be kept in a specific sphere. The theory however is the cause of bringing many significant changes in the world political picture as many renowned activists have taken steps according to this theory framework. Their success and world acknowledgment is also highly respected among the critics too. The critics focus that the circle of political process is too long and opportunities occurrences during this whole phase can lead the movements to distractions. The political process theory fundamentally focuses on cultural bonding and socializing of people which is core essence of a successful movement. The more people would be socialized; the higher would be the movement success rate as people influence each other. The knowledge, values and norms sharing among the society is the fundamental and basic reason of any movement’s success. The results obtained from this theory are very promising and the prime examples from history depict the fact that change in the system and revolutionary measures can be taken through political process theory. References Beyeler, M., & Rucht, D. 2010 Political Opportunity Structures and Progressive Movement Sectors, The World Says No to War: Demonstrations Against the War on Iraq, 20-41. Bienen, H. 1977. “State and revolution: The work of Amílcar Cabral”. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 15(4), 555-568. Cabral, A. (1979). Unity and Struggle: speeches and writings of Amilcar Cabral. Trans. Michael Wolfers. New York: Monthly Review. Meyer, D. S., & Minkoff, D. C. 2004. “Conceptualizing political opportunity”, Social forces, 82(4), pp. 1457-1492 Read More