What is the purpose of politics?

QUEK CHOON GUAN, PETER
4 min readSep 16, 2023

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Politics is a term that can have many meanings and interpretations, but in general, it refers to the activities and processes that involve the use of power, influence, and authority in a society. Politics can be seen as a way of organizing and governing people, resolving conflicts, making decisions, and pursuing collective goals.

But why do we need politics? What is the purpose of engaging in political actions and debates? There are different perspectives and opinions on this question, but here are some possible answers:

The purpose of politics is multifaceted and can vary depending on one’s perspective and the context in which politics is considered. However, some common purposes and goals of politics include:

  1. Governance and Order: Politics provides a framework for establishing and maintaining governance, order, and stability within a society. It involves creating and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies that help structure the behavior of individuals and institutions.
  2. Politics is a means of achieving social justice and equality. Politics can be used to promote the rights and interests of marginalized groups, such as women, minorities, workers, refugees, etc. Politics can also be used to challenge and change oppressive systems and structures, such as racism, sexism, classism, etc. Politics can be a tool for creating a more fair and inclusive society.
  3. Representation: Politics aims to ensure that the interests, concerns, and values of citizens are represented in decision-making processes. This includes the election of representatives who advocate for the needs of their constituents.
  4. Conflict Resolution: Politics provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts and disputes that arise within a society. Through negotiation, diplomacy, and legal processes, politics seeks to find peaceful solutions to disagreements.
  5. Resource Allocation: Political systems are responsible for allocating resources, such as budgetary funds, public services, and infrastructure development, to meet the needs of the population.
  6. Protection of Rights: Politics plays a role in protecting and upholding the rights and freedoms of individuals, including civil rights, human rights, and property rights. It serves as a check against potential abuses of power.
  7. Social and Economic Development: Politics can influence the direction of social and economic development by setting policies that promote economic growth, social welfare, education, and healthcare.
  8. Politics is a way of expressing and representing one’s identity and values. Politics can be a form of self-expression and self-determination, where people can articulate their views and preferences on various issues and topics. Politics can also be a way of belonging and participating in a community or a nation, where people can identify with others who share their beliefs and ideals. Politics can be a source of meaning and purpose for individuals and groups.
  9. Politics is a method of solving problems and improving conditions. Politics can be used to address the challenges and needs that people face in their daily lives, such as poverty, health, education, environment, security, etc. Politics can also be used to create opportunities and innovations that can enhance the quality of life for people. Politics can be a means of progress and development for society.
  10. Representation of Diverse Interests: In democratic systems, politics ensures that a diverse range of interests, ideologies, and perspectives have a voice in shaping public policy.
  11. Foreign Relations: Politics includes the management of a nation’s relationships with other countries, including diplomacy, international agreements, and foreign policy decisions.
  12. Public Welfare: The goal of politics often includes improving the overall well-being and quality of life of the population, addressing social issues, and ensuring the provision of essential public services.
  13. Legitimacy and Accountability: Politics aims to establish legitimate and accountable systems of government, where leaders are chosen through democratic processes and held accountable for their actions.
  14. Social Cohesion: Politics seeks to foster a sense of unity, identity, and social cohesion among citizens, creating a shared sense of belonging to a particular political community.
  15. Adaptation to Change: Political systems must adapt to changing circumstances, technological advancements, and evolving societal values and norms.

Conclusion

These are some of the possible purposes of politics, but they are not exhaustive or definitive. Politics is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can have different purposes for different people at different times and places. Politics is also not always positive or beneficial; it can also have negative or harmful consequences, such as violence, corruption, polarization, etc. Therefore, politics requires critical thinking and ethical judgment from both the actors and the observers.

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QUEK CHOON GUAN, PETER
QUEK CHOON GUAN, PETER

Written by QUEK CHOON GUAN, PETER

i am a freelance affiliate marketer, graduated from the Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada. I am a Singaporean. Writing is my hobbies.

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