Political Parties: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracy

First published in German in 1911, this book introduces the concept of iron law oligarchy.

Considered a classic text of social sciences, Political Parties analyzes the power structures of organizations such as political parties and trade unions.

Robert Michels argues that all organizations, even those in theory most egalitarian and most committed to democracy, such as socialist political parties, are in fact oligarchical and dominated by a small group of leadership.

Author: Robert Michels
Publisher: Free Press
Published: 04/01/1966
Pages: 380
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 8.01h x 5.04w x 0.91d
ISBN13: 9780029212509
ISBN10: 0029212502
BISAC Categories:
- Political Science | Political Process | Political Parties
- Political Science | Political Ideologies | Democracy
- Social Science | Sociology | General