The theoretical models or paradigms are most frequently used as guides to analysis.  They draw our attention to factors that should be considered, and suggest possible explanations for observed events.  This guide is an outline to key points, a more lengthy discussion is in Theoretical Models in Political Sociology. 


Social Class Model

1. Identify the social classes present in the case.
   
1. Marxist definition:  relationship to the means of production
2. Weberian definition:   freely intermarrying social strata
2. Identify the political parties and social movements that are linked to the social classes
3. Identifry the attitudes, ideologies and behaviors characteristic of members of each social class
4. Analyze changes in the economy and social structure that impact on each of the classes

Elite Model

1. Identify the formal power stucture - office holders
   
2. Identify the informal, behind-the-scenes power structure - who "really" has power?  This includes elites in business, media, academia, churches, etc.
   
3. Identifry the attitudes, ideologies and behaviors of the "masses" - people who are not part of the political "establishment" and especially those who are not part of any organized interest group
   
4. Identify any intermediary groups, groups at the second level of the elite (this overlaps with the pluralist model)
5. Identify social or economic trends that impact on the attitudes, ideologies and living conditions of the masses
6. Study the personalities of the leaders and their appeal to the masses

Pluralist Model

1. Identify the organized interest groups involved in the issue at hand
2. Assess the resources of each of the major interest groups
3. Evaluate the tactics used by the major interest groups