Sociology of the State. Many modern nation states tax nearly half of the people's income. A nation state develops relationships with other states and takes charge of territorial defense. It monopolizes the use of violence within a territory. It also regulates many aspects of our lives from education, working, marriage, retirement, redistribution of wealth to daily activities such as parking, driving and garbage disposal.
State power is, therefore, the principal dimension of political power.
This course introduces theories of states with a comparative-historical perspective. The course provides an overview on the cutting-edge research in the field. It is also intended to guide those who are interested in political sociology or macro-comparative sociology to develop empirical projects with the state as an important dimension. This seminar will look at the social bases of economic action. We will consider the role of social structure, network ties and practiced meanings in making economic life possible.