rolf.gollob@phzh.ch politics: at the beginning is the problem... module edc_empower 2012 rolf gollob...

rolf.gollob@phzh.ch

Politics: At the beginning is the problem ... Politics: At the beginning is the problem ...

Module EDC_EmPower 2012Module EDC_EmPower 2012

Rolf GollobRolf GollobZurich University of Teacher EducationZurich University of Teacher EducationCentre IPE, Zurich SwitzerlandCentre IPE, Zurich Switzerland

rolf.gollob@phzh.ch

Human beeings live in many different form with each other. They are social beeings: they form society and are part of it. The social system around them is the basic componant of human life. This has to be organised. When the social life becomes a public problem that has to be solved, we call it politics.

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Karl Rohe writes:Karl Rohe writes:

„Politics happens and evolves always, where people try to solve the public aspects of their social life.“

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Politics in a closer or in a broader sense.

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Politics in a broader sense.

When in the close social life the Problems cannot solved anymore by using everyday solutions known by everybody and special actions have to be taken, we call it politics in a broader sense.

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Politics in a closer sense

In a complex state society needs clear structures, instruments and procedures to solve all the problems that arise daily. The different interests and groups can only be intergrated through clear procedures and laws that garantuee a balance for as many a spossible. This organisation is called a state or a nation.

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The three dimensions of politicsThe three dimensions of politics

The institutional dimension (polity),The content or substance-based

dimension (policy)The procedural dimension (politics).

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Three dimensionsThree dimensions

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The The institutionalinstitutional dimension dimension (polity)(polity) Constitution, rule of law, political traditions Institutions that give the frame for action elections Freedom of oppinion Parties Lobby groups

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The The contentcontent dimension (policy) dimension (policy)

Goals Tasks Topics Interests Conflicts

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The The procedural procedural dimension dimension (politics).(politics). Interests are brought to a solution by

conflict and consens. This dimension has to be seen as a

endless process of a search for solutions, building of oppinions and balancing of interests.

In a nut shellIn a nut shell

Politics has to be understood as an endless

collective (participatory)conflictingmultidimensional(hopefully) democratic… process to find accepted solutions.

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