General Systems theory of David Easton

    Systems theory is a pioneering modal of political analysis. Political science came under the influence of empirical-scientific orientation brought about by behaviouralism. David Easton put forward systems theory to analysis political system. System is defined as a set of elements which interact among themselves as well as with their environment: a galaxy, a foot ball team, etc. Easton considered the elements as abstract components that interact with one another.     

   

   

    Easton defined politics as the “authoritative allocation of values”. The allocation is authoritative because it enjoys support from environment. Allocation is done based on the demands put forward. This does not take place in a closed circuit. Its ends are connected with the social process. The system is open, the output flows back into the environment through feedback giving rise to fresh demands.

    David Easton considered that the political system receives inputs in the form of demands and support. Among competing demands, the demands which enjoy more support shape decisions and policies. Various organizations such as pressure/interest groups and political parties, individuals, politicians, administrators, opinion leaders, etc place demands. The demands which enjoy the most support shape the output policies and decisions. This process prevents the system from getting overloaded and breaking down. Also, the extent of support enjoyed by the authoritative decisions and policies reflect upon the fate of the political authorities (often elected governments) and the regime’s nature (democratic or authoritarian) and the political community (open or close). Outputs are so produced so that they enjoy maximum support.

    Easton has provided an elaborate classification of demands, supports and outputs to illustrate their nature.    

    Demands are sub-classified into four types:

a) The demand for allocation of goods and services.

b)  The demand for regulation of behavior.

c) Demands for participation in the political system.

d) Demands for communication and information.

    Outputs are sub-classified into

a) Extraction (revenue for the state)

b) Regulation of behavior (to benefit of people and order)

c) Allocation of goods and services

d) Symbolic outputs such as affirmation, communication and display of values.

    Feedback mechanism makes the system responsive and keeps the process in perpetual motion. It helps the political process to attain the goals of the community. It also guides the direction of the policy in such a manner that it reflects the will of the community.

    Though the modal is an over simplification of the complex forces at play across the body politic, it provides a theoretical framework for comparative political analysis.

   Critics are of the opinion that complex scientific jargons have been unnecessarily used to complicate simple concepts which could have been explained by traditional words. Marxists have criticized that the modal is based on Western liberal democratic functioning and does not provide a useful modal to understand developing societies and systems where the dominant class has control over input channels. Systems theory has provided the foundation for Systems Functional Approach by Gabriel Almond and Powel and for Communications theory by Karl Deutsch.