Meaning of Political Sociology 

One argument says that political sociology is in fact political science. But, in order to know this correctly we should not miss the point that what is not included in political sociology, but is included in political science, is constitution i.e. in political science one studies constitution.

Here, it is to be added also that ‘comparative politics’ become possible because of political sociology and that both are interdependent.

It is said that political sociology had made political science more up to date. It also had produced large body of data and collection of information. We can name four major area of this discipline as follows: sociology of elites, election studies and voting behavior, theorization of violence, and theories of change and stability. 

Political sociology looks at various intersections between politics and society. It focuses on the problems of state and society relations and develops empirical studies of the exercise of power both within and between states. It also analyzes the role of political institutions in social development.

Bottomore, a British sociologist popularized that “political sociology is the study of power. One studies the political and social explanation of power.”

We all know that power is an element in most social relationships: in the family, religion, associations, organizations, universities, trade unions, etc.

By power we also mean the ability of an individual or a social group to pursue a course of action, if necessary, against the interests and even against the opposition of other individuals and groups. However, there are diverse conceptualizations of power which have their own place within particular theories of politics.

Sartori says: it is necessary to explain power both in social as well as political terms.

Broadly speaking, political sociology means: “study of politics in the context of the society.”

This definition is taken mostly by sociologists and so it is dominated by them. This definition has been popularized by Nordtinger.

Sociologists believe that political sociology is a branch of sociology. It is in fact sociology of politics --- politics is explained only in terms of social factors.

Politics is a dependent variable and so it changes according to society, meaning that society comes first and politics comes second.

However, there is another definition of political sociology which is slightly different from the first one. Dowse and Hughes define it in the following way: “political sociology is the study of interrelation between politics and society.” Here, both depend on each other, and this definition is also acceptable to political scientists. 

Society is the pre-condition of politics. Politics takes place when there is society. Without society, we do not see politics.

We do not have politics when there is no society, and we cannot find a society without politics. The moment society comes to existence, politics emerges. It should be noted that by society we mean a proper society.