Easton believes it is essential to examine the ways in which various political systems interact with the environment both within and outside of society in order to fully comprehend how political systems manage to maintain stability in a world full of change (Fuchs and Klingemaan, 2003). Political systems want to persist which therefore makes the issue of persistence the most inclusive and important objective for any political system (Ray, 2004:12). Easton’s systems theory is mainly concerned with the idea of persistence. According to Easton, the political system can be defined as a system of interaction through which ‘authoritative allocations are made and implemented for a society’ (van der Eyden, 2003:264). Easton has been renowned for viewing political processes as being dynamic within which stability is achieved via the establishment of equilibrium between the various inputs and outputs Susser, 1992:181-183). The systems theory was devised by David Easton as a response to the much criticized and outdated traditional political approaches of the mid 1950’s which mainly revolved around the concepts of ‘historicism and empiricism’ (Fuchs and Klingemaan, 2003). The two main theories which will be examined in this essay are the systems theory as proposed by David Easton and the functionalist theory which was developed by Gabriel Almond. The theories aim at identifying and exploring the various processes, patterns and regularities that are present in and amongst different political systems the world over. There are various theories associated with the studying and comparing of political systems all which have their strengths and weaknesses. Show how each of these theories promote our understanding of comparative politics.Ĭomparative politics is a field of study that enables the systematic study and comparison of the world’s political systems. ![]() Identify the main differences between the systems theory as formulated by David Easton and the functionalist theory as set out by Gabriel Almond.
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