Theorising political legitimisation: from stasis to processes.

Dolan, Paddy; Vertigans, Stephen; Connolly, John

Abstract

Legitimacy remains a key concept in political sociology, and perhaps even more so in lay understandings of political processes and structures, as evidenced by conflict over territories and regimes around the world. However, the concept suffers from a rather static representation, and even when addressed in processual form, in terms of specific moments in the process, such as conditions favouring legitimacy or its effects. Building from an Eliasian perspective, we argue for a more processual concept of legitimisation to encompass the dynamic social networks (figurations) that constitute the more unintentional context for deliberate legitimation claims. As networks expand and intensify, processes of legitimisation incorporate changing and more diverse bases for legitimacy claims, as well as a greater variety of such claims and counterclaims. As the power relations between contending groups change, legitimation practices become part of the integrating functions of the state, shaping figurations and the social habitus.

Citation

DOLAN, P., VERTIGANS, S. and CONNOLLY, J. 2024. Theorising political legitimisation: from stasis to processes. European journal of social theory [online], 27(1), pages 22-40. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/13684310231184600

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 11, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jul 11, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 29, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 17, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 17, 2023
• Journal: European journal of social theory
• Print ISSN: 1368-4310
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7137
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 22-40
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13684310231184600
• Keywords: Political sociology; Eliasian perspectives; Legitimisation; Legitimation practices; Figurations; Habitus; Legitimacy; Power relations; Social integration
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2014641