HACKER'S LIBERAL DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL CONTROL: A CRITIQUE

In: American political science review, Band 51, Heft 4, S. 1027-1039

Abstract

The essence of Hacker's formulation is the Rc theory. Following Mosca & Pareto, he analyzes the structure of US culture in terms of power relations. Historically, Hacker maintains, a SC controlled the reins of power because of its deferential status in a highly stratified society, currently, he continues, a SC monopolized power because of its manipulative skill. While Hacker's thesis contains elements of validity, it is not convincing, for neither Rc is properly defined nor identifled. Insufficient are his criteria of soc & pol'al differentiation. Indeed, Hacker's construction is based on a petitio principle. He misconceives the nature of SC's, the meaning of democracy, the complexity of the soc process, man's unique freedom to transcend & modify soc structures & configurations, & the intricate nexus & multifarious forms & structures of power. (See SA 6258) AA-IPSA.