Definition
Political science encompasses “systems of governance, and the analysis of political activities, political thoughts, and political behavior” (“Political science,” 2018, para. 1). It contributes to the distribution of power and resources through theoretical research and practice, drawing from multiple social research methods.
Subdisciplines
Political science consists of numerous subdisciplines, including policy studies, public policy, comparative politics, political economy, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy, and political methodology (“Political science,” 2018). Political science also draws from economics, law, sociology, history, philosophy, geography, psychology, and anthropology.
In Practice
Political science professionals may advise public officials or run for public office. They may also work in governmental and non-governmental capacities or for private corporations. Additional sources of employment may include think tanks, research institutes, or public relations firms (Chaturvedi, 2005).
In Disaster Research
Political science examines political issues related to emergency management, as well as policy dilemmas triggered by the “complex intergovernmental context of disaster policy and emergency management” (Waugh, n.d., para. 1). The discipline also examines how individuals, communities, and governments prepare for, respond to, and recover from catastrophes and crises (Aldrich, 2013).
References
Aldrich, D. P. (2013). The Politics of Natural Disasters. In Political Science. Oxford Bibliographies Online Datasets. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199756223-0063
Chaturvedi, J. C. (Ed.). (2005). Political Governance (Volume 3: Public Policy & Administration). Dehli: ISHA Books.
Political science. (2018). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_science
Waugh, William L. Public Administration, Emergency Management, and Disaster Policy. n.d. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from https://training.fema.gov/hiedu/docs/emt/disciplines%20disasters%20and%20em%20chapter%20public%20admin%20em%20disaster%20policy.doc
CONVERGE is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation, Program on Humans, Disasters, and the Built Environment (Award #1841338). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.