Question

What is post-behaviouralism? Give the reasons for its origin.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Post – Behaviouralism is an ideological revolution. This is an reform movement which lays stress on action and relevance. Behaviouralists themselves started raising questions on the usefulness of Behaviouralism even before the end of the decade of 1960. As a result, a new movement started that was known as post Behaviouralism This is a movement of reform in Behaviouralism and a progressive step. This tries to study and solve the problems and threats of society and political system.

Post – Behaviouralism lays stress that research and study of Political Science should be relevant in the context of real needs of the society.

Post – Behaviouralism urges the political scholars to study by remaining indifferent and being neutral and to lead the society, instead of being escapists and indifferent to social and political problems.

Main features of Post – Behaviouralism:

The main supporter of post Behaviouralism David Easton has given two main features of Post –

Behaviouralism Relevance of Research Action. Main features of Post –

Behaviouralism are as follows:

1. Stress on Relevance: Technique is not that much important in political science as is the relevance. It is better to do away with research if it is not helpful a solve the social problems. 2. Stress on social change: Behaviouralism always used to emphasize social stability. Thus, it concentrated only on the analysis of facts, but Political Science should be connected with broad social context by turning itself to address social changes.

3. Need of effective & reliable solution of Problems: Post-behaviouralism lay stress on the solution of contemporary social problems. They believe that Political Science is useful only when it solves the social problems. These days, the human civilization is being dragged to destruction due to epidemics, poverty, malnutrition, pollution, fear of nuclear war, etc. In such situation, political science should try to solve such problems. Only then it can be useful.

4. Important role of Values: Post – behaviouralism accept the deciding role of values. Only that knowledge is fruitful for human society which is based on values. Purpose of social science is to shape the best human society. Thus, they must acquire value-based knowledge.

5. Role of Intellectuals: Post – behaviouralism have considered the role of intellectuals in society as an important one. It is their special duty to safeguard human values. They believe that intellectuals should not only be the scientific researchers, but they should also lead the society.

6. Action based knowledge: Post – behaviouralism give stress on action. According to them, Political Science should remain involved in re-construction of society. Knowledge should be practically significant. Researchers should perform such activities which can asist in the resolution of social problems.

7. Politicization of Professions: Post – behaviouralism not advocate passivity of scientists, rather they lay emphasis on their active role. They give stress on the politicization of professions. They believe that scholars should play a positive role in the society, so that purposes of the society may be given an organised and systematic direction.