3.1.3 Structural Theory

• What is Structural Theory in comparative politics?

  Macro-level outcomes based on structure
• Structural theory emphasizes the role of formal and informal institutions
• Match the comparative politics theory with its focus:

  Structural Theory ↔️ Macro-level factors

  Rational Choice Theory ↔️ Individual self-interest

  Cultural Theory ↔️ Shared values and norms
• State-centric Theory emphasizes the autonomy and capacity of the state
• What are the three main actors according to Structural Theory that shape political outcomes?

  Institutions, power relations, social/economic conditions
• What broader social, economic, and cultural factors does Structural Theory consider?

  Class structures, economic development, demographic trends
• What is the core focus of Structural Theory in explaining political outcomes?

  Structure of a political system
• Match the comparative politics theory with its focus:

  Structural Theory ↔️ Macro-level factors

  Rational Choice Theory ↔️ Individual self-interest

  Cultural Theory ↔️ Shared values and beliefs
• What does State-centric Theory emphasize about the state?

  State autonomy and capacity
• What are the core tenets of Structural Theory?

  Institutions, power relations, social/economic conditions
• Social, economic, and cultural factors are considered by Structural Theory as shaping the political process.


  True
• What is the key concept of Marxist Theory within Structural Theory?

  Class struggle
• Institutions, such as constitutions and laws, are considered key actors in Structural Theory.


  True
• Structural theory examines the distribution of power and influence within a political system.


  True
• Which theory focuses on macro-level factors such as institutions, power, and social/economic conditions?

  Structural Theory
• Arrange the core tenets of Structural Theory in a logical order:

  1️⃣ Emphasize the role of formal and informal institutions

  2️⃣ Examine the distribution of power and influence

  3️⃣ Consider broader social, economic, and cultural factors
• Marxist Theory views the state as a tool of the dominant class in society.
• According to Structural Theory, formal and informal institutions shape political behavior
• Match the theory with its focus:

  Structural Theory ↔️ Macro-level factors

  Rational Choice Theory ↔️ Individual self-interest

  Cultural Theory ↔️ Shared values, norms, beliefs
• What is one key focus of Structural Theory when analyzing political outcomes?

  Macro-level factors
• What is one strength of Structural Theory highlighted in the material?

  Systemic perspective
• Why is it challenging to empirically test Structural Theory?

  Isolating specific structural effects
• Structural theory argues that the structure of a political system, rather than individual choices, is the primary driver of political outcomes.


  True
• What does Structural Theory examine regarding power relations within a political system?

  Distribution of power and influence
• Order the steps in the application of Structural Theory in comparative politics:

  1️⃣ Identify the structure of the political system

  2️⃣ Examine institutions, power relations, and social/economic conditions

  3️⃣ Analyze how these factors shape political behavior

  4️⃣ Explain political outcomes based on structural factors
• What are the main actors in Structural Theory according to the study material?

  Institutions, power relations, social/economic conditions
• Structural theory emphasizes the role of formal and informal institutions in shaping political behavior and outcomes.
• Structural theory contrasts with other comparative politics theories that focus more on individual-level factors.
• Structural theory provides a systemic perspective on comparative politics.
• What are two examples of different types of structural theories?

  Marxist Theory and State-centric Theory
• What does Structural Theory emphasize as the primary driver of political outcomes?

  Structure of the political system
• What social, economic, and cultural factors does Structural Theory consider as influencing the political process?

  Class structures, economic development, demographic trends
• Structural Theory analyzes the relative power of the executive, legislature, and judiciary in policymaking.

  True
• What example might Structural Theory use to explain the election of a populist leader?

  Majoritarian electoral system, powerful presidency, high income inequality
• Structural Theory provides a systemic view of the political process.
• Structural Theory may oversimplify political processes by downplaying the role of individual agency
• Structural Theory analyzes the distribution of power and influence within a political system.


  True
• How does the structure of a country's electoral system influence political outcomes, according to Structural Theory?

  It impacts the party system
• High levels of economic inequality may contribute to political instability
• Income inequality is considered a social/economic condition that Structural Theory examines.

  True