Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Post-behaviouralism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction to the perceived limitations of behaviouralism, which focused heavily on empirical observation and quantitative methods, often neglecting the normative and value-based aspects of political science. A central tenet of post-behaviouralism, articulated by thinkers like David Easton, is the ‘credo of relevance’. This credo emphasizes that political science should not only explain political phenomena but also contribute to solving real-world problems. Crucially, this relevance is sought through ‘action science’, a methodology aimed at applying political knowledge to practical political action, thereby making the discipline more socially responsible and impactful.
Understanding Post-Behaviouralism and the Credo of Relevance
Behaviouralism, dominant in the 1950s, sought to make political science more scientific by focusing on observable behaviour and employing quantitative techniques. However, critics argued that this approach led to a value-free, detached, and ultimately irrelevant discipline. Post-behaviouralism, therefore, advocated for a return to normative concerns, arguing that political science should be concerned with ‘what ought to be’ as well as ‘what is’. The ‘credo of relevance’ encapsulated this shift, urging scholars to engage with pressing social and political issues.
Action Science: The Core of the Credo
Action science, as envisioned by post-behaviouralists, is a methodology that goes beyond simply identifying problems; it actively seeks to contribute to their solutions. It involves several key components:
- Value Relevance: Recognizing that all research is inherently value-laden, action science explicitly acknowledges and incorporates values into the research process.
- Problem-Solving Orientation: Research is directed towards addressing specific, real-world political problems.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Action science often draws upon insights from multiple disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, and economics, to provide a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
- Participatory Research: Engaging stakeholders and affected communities in the research process to ensure that solutions are relevant and effective.
How Action Science Operates
Action science doesn’t propose a single, rigid methodology. Instead, it suggests a framework for conducting research that is consciously oriented towards action. This can involve:
- Policy Analysis: Evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and proposing alternative solutions.
- Community Organizing: Empowering communities to address their own political and social problems.
- Advocacy: Using research findings to advocate for specific policy changes.
- Participatory Action Research (PAR): A collaborative approach where researchers and community members work together to identify problems, develop solutions, and evaluate their impact.
Examples of Action Science in Practice
Several areas demonstrate the application of action science principles:
- Urban Planning: Using participatory planning techniques to involve residents in the design of their communities.
- Public Health: Conducting research to identify health disparities and developing interventions to address them.
- Environmental Policy: Engaging stakeholders in the development of sustainable environmental policies.
For instance, the work of Amartya Sen on capabilities approach (developed extensively post-1980s) can be seen as an example of action science. It doesn’t just analyze poverty but proposes a framework for measuring and addressing it, influencing policy decisions globally.
Criticisms of Action Science
Despite its potential, action science has faced several criticisms:
- Objectivity Concerns: Critics argue that explicitly incorporating values into research can compromise objectivity and lead to biased findings.
- Practical Challenges: Implementing action science can be difficult, requiring significant time, resources, and collaboration.
- Potential for Manipulation: There is a risk that action science could be used to justify pre-determined political agendas.
- Difficulty in Measuring Impact: Assessing the effectiveness of action-oriented research can be challenging.
Some scholars also argue that the emphasis on relevance can lead to a neglect of theoretical rigor and a focus on short-term solutions at the expense of long-term understanding.
The Legacy of Action Science
While the term ‘action science’ may not be as widely used today, its core principles continue to influence contemporary approaches to political science and public policy. The emphasis on engaged scholarship, participatory research, and problem-solving remains central to many areas of the discipline. Furthermore, the growing interest in evidence-based policymaking and impact assessment reflects the enduring legacy of the ‘credo of relevance’.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ‘credo of relevance’ in post-behaviouralism, through the lens of action science, represented a significant attempt to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical action in political science. While facing legitimate criticisms regarding objectivity and implementation, its emphasis on value relevance and problem-solving continues to shape contemporary scholarship and policy-making. The ongoing debate about the role of values in research and the responsibility of scholars to engage with real-world problems demonstrates the enduring importance of the post-behavioural project.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.