Journal article
Optimization Theory and the Analysis of Political Behavior
Political Anthropology, Vol.1(2), pp.136-154
01 Jul 1975
Abstract
The study of political systems is too broad to be productive, but very productive analysis can be made of behavior from which models can be developed for a theory marked by "transition from unmathematical plausibility considerations to the formal procedures of mathematics." The 2 major anthropological orientations to the study of politics are reviewed; the optimization approach is an outgrowth of a movement toward the study of process in anthropology. Approaches that can be included in the field of political economics are discussed, & some basic misunderstandings of anthropologists concerning the optimization approach are delineated. The formal procedure of mathematics should be one developed especially for the social sciences. The proponents of optimization analysis must become more systematic in their applications. They must develop a rigorous theory of political behavior, beginning with comparative work that has been systematically analyzed & expanded to include all areas of political behavior. Collaboration between anthropologists & political scientists is recommended. Limitations must be placed on the scope of the problem of enquiry, while more intensive fieldwork & collection of data are in order. 1 Table. E. Preston.
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Details
- Title
- Optimization Theory and the Analysis of Political Behavior
- Creators
- Anthony Glascock
- Publication Details
- Political Anthropology, Vol.1(2), pp.136-154
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- [Retired Faculty]; Communication, Culture, and Media
- Identifiers
- 991022025128904721