Political behavior: a reader in theory and research

THE COLLECTION of articles and studies brought
together in this Reader represents an admittedly
self-conscious and in many respects venturesomne
enterprise.
If one were to enumerate the most character
istic features of political research as an academic
interest, neither empirically oriented theory nor
sophisticated research methodology would likely
be named as outstanding attributes. The main
body of political theory, as practiced in our col-
leges and universities, is concerned with the criti
cal evaluation of past speculative systems, that is,
a history of political doctrines. Another major
concern of political theory is frankly moral-
normative and prescriptive of current politics.
Research, on the other hand, is most often cast
in a historical, broadly institutional and juridical
mold. The situation does not need further com-
ment here. David Easton, in The Political System,
has sought to evaluate the tasks in reorienting
political theory to empirical research.1 More re-
cently, Roy Macridis has presented a balanced
critique of the traditional study of comparative
government.2
This Reader includes viewpoints that are ex-
plicitly critical and symptomatic of a dissatisfac
tion with the present state of political science.
Only because the prevailing ferment has outgrown
its original critical defensiveness does this volume
have a raison d'être. But it is not a main purpose
of this collection to express dissatisfaction. Never
theless, this Reader is conceived as an effort in
persuasion. By presenting some of the representa-
tive efforts in the political behavior approach, we
hope to suggest its future promise.