The Changing Social Structure

Abstract

Politics is a social activity. The solitary occupant of a desert island can develop a simple economy, practise religion and produce art; but only the arrival of a Man (or Woman) Friday makes politics either possible or necessary. Because political activity has this special character, it is intimately affected by the way social life is organised: by the historical development of a community; by its economic organisation; by the relations of equality and inequality existing between its members.

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble.

Jeremiah, 8.15