Understanding the Meaning of Politics According to Dictionaries and Experts, Also Learn Its Concepts

Kapanlagi.com - Politics is one of the fields that is closely related to governance and policy. Therefore, it is important to know what politics means, especially for those of you who want to enter the field. Because politics is a crucial and important field related to the lives of the general public.

However, political practices are not only found in the scope of the state and society, but also in the realm of organizations. Therefore, the meaning of politics is not only important to be understood by those who are involved in the field, but also by the general public. So, what is the essence and true meaning of politics?

To find out, just read the discussion about the meaning of politics below, which has been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. The Origin of the Word Politics

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Etymologically or based on the origin of the word, politics does not originate from Indonesian language. The word politics comes from Greek, namely polis. If translated literally, the word polis means state or city. Based on this explanation, the meaning of politics then experienced an expansion of meaning into something related to city life affairs.

In a broader sense, politics encompasses governance, power, law, and policy. Not only at the city level, the meaning of politics also expands in narrower and broader levels, ranging from internal organizations, villages, provinces, countries, and so on.

2. The Meaning of Politics According to Dictionaries

Currently, the word 'politics' has entered the Indonesian language. Therefore, the meaning of politics is now registered in the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI). However, the meaning of politics in KBBI is not much different from the definition based on the origin of the word.

In KBBI, the meaning of politics is the knowledge of statehood or nationality (such as about the government system, government policy). Politics is also defined as all matters and actions (policies, strategies, and so on) regarding the government of a country or towards other countries.

The meaning of politics is indeed closely related to government, power, and policy. As explained in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, where politics is defined as activities related to influencing government actions and policies to obtain and maintain power in government.

3. The Meaning of Politics According to Experts

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As mentioned earlier, politics is a crucial field in life. Therefore, many people pay attention and decide to deepen their knowledge of politics. In political science, there are also several names that are considered experts. These experts also provide definitions related to the meaning of politics. Here are some of them.

1. Aristotle

It turns out that politics has existed since ancient times. This is evidenced by the political views of classical philosopher Aristotle. According to Aristotle, politics is an effort made by individuals as citizens to achieve common goals.

2. Harold Lasswell

Harold Lasswell believes that politics is the study of changes in the pattern of value distribution in society. In addition, according to him, political practices also depend heavily on power and its dynamics.

3. Gabriel A. Almond

Then, Gabriel A. Almond regards the meaning of politics as activities related to decision-making efforts for the public or society in a particular region, taking into account authoritative and coercive instruments.

4. Ramlan Surbakti

Ramlan Surbakti explains politics as a form of interaction between the government and society with the aim of making and implementing decisions that are societal in a particular region.

5. Miriam Budiardjo

Meanwhile, Miriam Budiardjo believes that the meaning of politics is various activities in a political system, starting from the process of determining goals to the process of achieving and implementing those goals.

4. Political Concepts

The meaning of politics is important to know. However, just knowing the meaning of politics is not enough. Politics is a complex matter. There are several concepts that apply in politics. Here are some of them.

1. Classic Concept

In the classic concept view, politics is a tool to achieve common goals. Usually, the goal is related to moral values ​​of good and public interest. Therefore, politics is often embodied in norms of justice, truth, and happiness.

2. Institutions

Meanwhile, in the institutional concept, politics becomes a container in the organization of a state or an institution. As the largest institution, the state is also considered to have the right to monopolize primary physical power. However, this concept only applies to modern states that have differentiation and specialization in roles, as well as permanent residents.

3. Power

Politics cannot be separated from power. Politics is an effort to obtain, oppose, and maintain power. With the power possessed, someone can influence others in a certain area, both in thought and action.

4. Functionalism

Politics also includes the concept of functionalism. In this regard, politics becomes an allocation of values ​​authoritatively based on authority and binding a society. Thus, politics is useful for formulating policies related to public interest.

5. Conflict

Another concept in politics is conflict. This concept also affects policy making. Because in formulating policies, conflicts and debates often occur in arguments to defend values.

Those are some reviews of the meaning of politics. Hopefully, it is useful and can add insight!

(kpl/gen/psp)