On Problems of Method and Comparison

Abstract

We have earlier suggested that contemporary studies of political culture tend to present empirically derived evidence in contrast with the traditional methods which relied heavily on intuition, reading and conversation. As Almond and Verba suggest of such studies, ‘One questions not merely the interpretations of the facts, but in the first instance the facts themselves.’¹¹⁴ In addition, the traditional studies were often tautological in their linking of the political culture to the political system. Appraisal of the culture was frequently derived from observation of the institution or be­haviour and then used to explain the performance of this same institution or behaviour. Much of the reasoning about the cul­tural causes and consequences of the British two-party system, or the existence of the monarchy, or the monopoly of high political office by aristocrats, has fallen prey to this kind of circularity. Another fallacy was (and is) to presume that the existence of institutions and procedures was proof of popular commitment to such institutions and values.