QN 1(b) The Post-Behavioural Approach.

    For a very short period Behaviorism dominated political thought. But soon its drawbacks were recognized. The 60’s saw numerous movements for black rights, environmental concerns, etc. Too much focus was given to methodology by behaviourilists. 

   David Easton acknowledged that the political scientists were in their ivory towers perfecting their methodology unconcerned with the normative and relevant issues that had arisen. In his speech to the American Political Science Association, he introduced them post- Behaviourlism based on “credo of relevance”. He gave them creative theory, with its focus on a) Action & b) Relevance      

   The features of post- Behaviorism where given as,

1. Post- Behaviorism was not going back from Behaviorism but a modification and consolidation of it.
2. Methodology was important, but the purity of technique should not be a hindrance to providing action oriented output.
3. Political theories should be relevant to people's lives.
4. Politician scientist were to understand their responsibility to the society
5. Post- Behaviorism inculcated values.
6. If focused on the application of research in solving human problems.

           Post- Behaviorism emerged as an action – oriented, futuristic discipline which made political science more relevant.