ABSTRACT
Th e foregoing chapters imply a theory not only of the structure of society but also-though a much less distinct one-of the processes by which it is to operate. A society may make economic welfare its chief objective and the chief sanction and incentive for its members’ behaviour; in that case it will give the place of honour to business men, union leaders, and economic planners. If it is chiefly interested in govern ment and formal power, its ideal will be the lawgiver, the civil servant, and the judge. Or it may attach the highest value to informal authority based on community, kinship, and individual consent. In practice no society pursues one of these objectives or uses one of these sanctions alone. The question is always how much of each? Whatever combination is preferred, the chosen objectives may be attained and sanctions applied through mechanisms of several kinds. A society may be competitive, one where economic and political and social success is awarded on the strength of ability to surpass others, or at least to reach certain qualifying standards; a society of economic competition, competitive party politics, and social mobility. It may be authoritarian, a ‘directed’ society, with economic planning, strong government and management, and rigid social customs. Or it may be based neither on direction nor on competition but on con sultation and mutual aid. In practice it will probably use all three sorts of mechanism. The question, once again, is how much of each?
