What is Harold Lasswell’s Definition of Politics?
Harold Lasswell, a prominent political scientist, has provided several definitions of politics throughout his career. His work has significantly influenced the field of political science, offering unique insights into the nature and functions of politics. This article aims to explore Lasswell’s definitions of politics, highlighting their key aspects and their implications for the study of politics.
Lasswell’s earliest definition of politics was introduced in his seminal work, “Politics: Who Gets What, When, and How,” published in 1936. In this definition, Lasswell posits that politics is “who gets what, when, and how.” This definition emphasizes the distributional aspect of politics, focusing on the allocation of resources, power, and influence among individuals and groups within a society. According to Lasswell, politics revolves around the struggle for control over valuable resources, and the outcome of this struggle determines the distribution of benefits and burdens within a community.
Another definition of politics, proposed by Lasswell in his 1958 book “The Structure and Style of Political Systems,” suggests that politics is “who decides what.” This definition highlights the decision-making process in politics, focusing on the power dynamics and the exercise of authority. Lasswell argues that politics is essentially about the creation and implementation of policies, laws, and regulations that shape the lives of individuals and groups. In this sense, politics is a process through which certain individuals or groups gain the power to make decisions that affect others.
Lasswell further expanded on his definition of politics in his 1960 book “Power and Personality,” where he states that politics is “the art or science of statecraft.” This definition emphasizes the strategic and tactical aspects of politics, focusing on the methods and techniques used by political actors to achieve their goals. Lasswell suggests that politics involves the manipulation of symbols, language, and institutions to gain and maintain power. In this sense, politics is a form of social engineering, where political actors employ various strategies to influence the behavior and attitudes of others.
One of Lasswell’s most notable contributions to the study of politics is his concept of the political system. He defines a political system as “a set of institutions and processes through which collective decisions are made.” This definition emphasizes the role of institutions in shaping political outcomes. Lasswell argues that political systems are characterized by their capacity to generate and implement policies, as well as their ability to manage conflict and maintain social order.
In conclusion, Harold Lasswell’s definitions of politics offer a comprehensive understanding of the field. His work highlights the distributional, decision-making, strategic, and institutional aspects of politics. By focusing on these key elements, Lasswell’s definitions have provided valuable insights into the nature and functions of politics, shaping the way political scientists study and analyze political phenomena.
