Oligopoly Law: Party Sociology in Modern Democratic Systems: Party Sociology in Modern Democratic Systems

Author: Robert Michels
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: "The Iron Law of Oligarchy." This principle states: "It is organization that gives the electors their dominance over the electorate, the appointees over the appointing power, the representatives over the represented. Organization means oligarchy everywhere." Oligarchy is the inevitable outcome of any organization attempting collective action, an 'iron law' that cannot be changed by well-intentioned individuals. "The Iron Law of Oligarchy" became a classic argument in modern political sociology, serving as the dominant framework for later scholars analyzing bureaucracy, organizational behavior, political parties, and representative democracy, thereby solidifying Michels' status as a classic figure in sociology and political science. The translation and publication of this series are a new attempt to continue the efforts of domestic academia. This series aims to translate and publish classic and seminal works in contemporary Western political science, contributing to the further introduction of Western political thought and promoting academic development in China. The series covers a wide range of topics, including political philosophy, international dynamics, institutions and culture, macro and micro perspectives, history and reality.