A society without order is not going to last.
Everyone will fight for their self-interest. They can commit crimes to get what they want because those are not considered crimes to begin with.
This is why political science matters in sociology. While a government is not required, people must meet halfway to reach a decision that benefits all.
Sociology is the study of social behavior and the patterns and structures that shape how people interact and live together.
Politics is not confined to the activities that involve politicians and policymakers. By definition, it is about doing things, making decisions, and creating rules that help everyone live with each other peacefully.
You do that with your friends. You consider what they want to eat before you decide on a restaurant. You also consider their situation before you say anything to them, if you care about them.
Even when there’s no leader in the group, there’s peace because everyone is willing to adjust so as to ensure that no one is left behind.
Why Political Science Matters in Sociology
There are many reasons why political science matters in sociology, which is why I don’t regret choosing it in college, even though I prefer the latter.
Let us talk about them below!
Political Systems Determine Who Has Power in Society
If you want to know who gets to make decisions in a particular society, look at the political systems in place.
These systems don’t just create and implement rules. They are in charge of the distribution of resources, and even whose voices get heard.
This is important for sociologists because they can understand people by looking at who influences their lives, values, and opportunities.
They see why certain social groups rise while others remain marginalized.
Political Institutions Stabilize Society
Political institutions provide a framework that keeps things running smoothly, if they work for the common good.
They enforce laws, resolve disputes, and manage conflicts so that everyone can live together in peace despite their differences.
Sociologists study how these institutions work and how they impact different groups of people, because they can also create inequalities.
For instance, if a legal system systematically favors the wealthy or powerful, then it reinforces social hierarchies rather than leveling the playing field.
Some Inequalities Are Caused by Public Policies
Many inequalities are the result of public policies made by governments: decisions about who gets help, who gets taxed, and who gets left out.
Think of public education, for example. If public schools are funded through local property taxes, poorer neighborhoods may end up with under-resourced schools, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
This isn’t just an economic or cultural issue, but political.
Public policies can create inequalities when they favor certain groups or fail to address the needs of marginalized populations.
Sociologists use political insights to determine the roots of inequality gaps so that they can also advocate for better, fairer policies.
Our Government Determines How We Engage with the Rest of the World
When you hear about foreign policy or international relations, it might sound like something that only affects diplomats and politicians.
But the truth is, the way our government interacts with other countries has a huge impact on our lives. Sociology can explain why.
For instance, immigration policies affect who can enter a country, how they are treated once they arrive, and whether they can become citizens.
Or consider international trade.
Decisions about which countries we do business with can impact job availability, consumer prices, and the environment.
Society Can’t Exist Without Politics
A society can’t exist without politics because, essentially, it is about how people make collective decisions, manage resources, and resolve conflicts.
Even in the smallest group, there are rules, negotiations, and disagreements. Remember the “friend” example I talked about earlier? That is politics!
So, even if a society doesn’t have a government in any shape or form, they have an agreed-upon way to settle disputes, protect rights, or maintain order.
Without it, everyone could do what they want without any regard for others, and then the society would break apart.
