Systems Theory

Disciplines: Political Science, Sociology

Also termed 'systems analysis'.

Theory of politics and government as a system associated with American political scientist David Easton (1917- ).

Government and politics constitute a system of inputs and outputs, with 'gatekeepers' who filter demands upon the system in order to avoid overload.

Systems analysis like structural functionalism is contrasted with conflict theory.

Source:
Geoffrey Roberts and Alistair Edwards, A New Dictionary of Political Analysis (London, 1991)

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