Political Sociology: Readings on Power, Politics, State, and Society

Through a collection of carefully selected articles, Political Sociology: Readings on Power, Politics, State, and Society helps students analyze and understand events in the political and social world through the lens of power structures and the distribution of power in society.

Chapter 1 examines the components of a strong civic culture. Chapter 2 discusses the processes of elite formation in major industrialized countries like the United States, Germany, France, Britain, and Japan. Chapter 3 examines whether presidents are held responsible for the mistakes of their agencies and what the media's role is in shaping that responsibility. In Chapter 4, readers learn about the relations between states and women from the sociological perspectives of democracy and development. Additional chapters address racial politics in the Missouri Bootheel region; how big technology can serve as a symbol of state power, wealth, and political authority; and the concept of false consciousness and its impact on the lives of individuals. The final chapter discusses the history of voter inequality and voter suppression.

Thoroughly modern in approach, Political Sociology is an exemplary resource for courses in the social sciences.

Sebahattin Ziyanak is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Texas Permian Basin. He has contributed books, book chapters, and articles to a variety of publications on topics such as homeless, delinquency, immigration, environmental studies, and political influence. Dr. Ziyanak has made numerous conference presentations and chaired and organized several conference sessions. He is the recipient of the 2020 President's Research Award in 2020, La Mancha Society Golden Windmill Research Award in 2018, and the Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award with the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2018. Dr. Ziyanak serves as a board member for Odessa Links, an organization that provides a continuum of care services to homeless individuals.