Teaching Politics

As far as political science is concerned, there is no generally accepted definition of the term politics. In truth, this is not a bad thing. After all, the very nature of social sciences and humanities means that there can never be a single or, indeed, "right" answer to a problem. To this end, the rather fruitless search for a definition of the word politics has been wisely abandoned. Whether or not power, conflict, control, peace or something else forms the core of the term politics depends much more on the issue, the interests involved and much more besides.

Our work is based on the system theory with its multi-dimensional understanding of politics. While this approach is widespread, it by no means the most important or best method. The advantage of this approach is that it integrates the wide variety of political aspects and elements, while making it possible to structure the complex nature of political reality and systematize it by always thinking of politics in a multi-dimensional way [... more on the system theory].

A distinction is drawn between the three following political dimensions: Polity, politics and policy. Polity is taken to mean the formal dimension of politics, that is, the the structure of norms, the way in which procedures are regulated and the institutions in which politics takes place. Politics means the procedural dimension, or rather the decision-making processes, the settling of conflicts and the enforcing of goals and interests. This dimension encompasses several of the classic issues associated with political science (who is able to enforce their interests?; what mechanisms are in place for regulating conflict?; etc.). And finally policy is the substance-based dimension of politics and refers to solving problems and fulfilling tasks by the administrative system drawing on decisions that are binding for all (authoritative value assignments) [... more on the political dimensions].

This definition of politics has proven to be very useful, especially for political education purposes. Together with the other elements associated with the analysis of policy, especially the policy cycle, it provides teachers and pupils with a tool that they can use to understand political reality [... more on the policy cycle].