Understanding Political Ideas and Movements: A Guide for A2 Politics Students (Understanding politics)

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the various political ideas and movements that have shaped the modern world. Underpinned by the work of major thinkers such as Marx, Locke, Weber, Hobbes, and Foucault, the first half of the book looks at political concepts including “the state and sovereignty”, “the nation”, “democracy, representation and legitimacy”, “freedom”, “equality” and “rights, obligation, and citizenship.” The second half of the book addresses traditional theoretical subjects such as Socialism, Marxism, and Nationalism, before moving on to more contemporary movements such as Environmentalism, Ecologism, and Feminism. About the AuthorKevin Harrison is a teacher at Manchester College of Art and Technology. Tony Boyd is a teacher at Withington Girls School, Manchester [C:\Users\Microsoft\Documents\Calibre Library] "Written specifically to cover the A2 component of the GCE Government and Politics A-level, this book is a comprehensive introduction to the political ideas and movements that have shaped the modern world. Underpinned by the work of major thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Marx, Mill, Weber and others, the first half of the book looks at political concepts including the state and sovereignty, the nation, democracy, representation and legitimacy, freedom, equality and rights, obligation and citizenship. There is also a specific chapter which addresses the role of ideology in the shaping of politics and society. The second half of the book addresses traditional theoretical subjects such as socialism, Marxism and nationalism, before moving on to more contemporary movements such as environmentalism, ecologism and feminism. The subject is covered in a clear, accessible style, and includes a number of student-friendly features, such as chapter summaries, key points to consider, definitions and tips for further sources of information. There is a definite need for a text of this kind. It will be invaluable for students of government and politics at introductory level"--Publisher's description Written specifically to cover the A2 component of the GCE Government and Politics A-level. Provides a comprehensive introduction to the various political ideas and movements that have shaped the modern world. Underpinned by the work of major thinkers such as Marx, Locke, Weber, Hobbes and Foucault, the book examines at political concepts including the state and sovereignty, the nation and democracy, representation and legitimacy, freedom, equality and rights, obligation and citizenship. Addresses traditional theoretical subjects such as socialism, marxism and nationalism as well as contemporary contemporary movements such as environmentalism, ecologism and feminism. Written in a clear, accessible style, including a number of student-friendly features, such as chapter summaries, key points to consider, definitions and pointers to further sources of information. Contents......Page 6 Preface and acknowledgements......Page 8 Introduction......Page 9 1 The state and sovereignty......Page 24 2 The nation......Page 45 3 Democracy......Page 66 4 Freedom......Page 91 5 Equality......Page 111 6 Rights, obligations and citizenship......Page 129 7 The role of ideology in politics and society......Page 143 8 Nationalism......Page 162 9 Conservatism......Page 182 10 Liberalism......Page 203 11 Socialism......Page 222 12 Marxism and anarchism......Page 245 13 Fascism......Page 264 14 Environmentalism and ecologism......Page 282 15 Feminism......Page 303 Concluding remarks......Page 317 Glossary of major figures......Page 331 Suggested further reading......Page 348 Index......Page 353 Covers the A2 component of the GCE Government and Politics A-level. This book offers an introduction to the political ideas and movements that have shaped the modern world. It looks at political concepts including the state and sovereignty, democracy, representation and legitimacy, freedom, equality and rights, obligation and citizenship. "There is a definite need for a textbook of this kind. It will be invaluable for students of Government and Politics on introductory courses, whether they be A level candidates or undergraduates."--BOOK JACKET