Political theory -- Group Psychology and Political Theory by C. Fred Alford

Group Psychology and Political Theory is extraordinary for its linking of group psychology to arguments in both traditional and contemporary political theory. C. Fred Alford reminds us of what political theory often misses: Groups and leadership are essential to an analysis and study of political theory, in particular social contract theory.

Alford's analysis derives from his work with small groups within the group relation conferences of the K. Rice Institute. These conferences evolve around small group events or experiences, each group composed of no more than fifteen persons; the event usually occurs over a weekend, with anywhere from 50 to 150 participants. Individuals from a variety of backgrounds meeting for the first time, are randomly placed in small groups. An A.K. Rice consultant (a person trained in Rice or Tavistock method) silently sits with the group. Toward the end of the weekend, interpretations are offered and experiences analyzed. The understanding of group dynamics (based on theories coming out of London's Tavistock clinic, largely influenced by the work of Melanie Klein and Elliot Jacques) arising from these events constitutes the foundation of Alford's approach to the psychological operation of groups and how groups perceive, choose, and depose "leaders." Or as Alford puts it: The Tavistock group is a literal doing of political theory.

For Alford, leadership is an essential aspect of political theory and analysis. It has not been a subject dealt with sufficiently or adequately by political theorists who generally ignore, he argues, the concept of leadership and the relation between leaders and followers. Alford, however, calls for a much closer and sympathetic look not only at leadership but at the group foundations of political life. The group, in his view, precedes the individual; and it makes no sense to speak of social or political experience unless it is understood in the context of groups. The greatest efforts in establishing individuality lie in the often tragic process of freeing oneself from group domination and control; his political argument here clearly comes down on the side of liberal individualism and against the constraining, often authoritarian, demands of "community."

We literally, Alford argues, are at war with our own "groupishness"; and this is what gets us into personal and political trouble. He calls this process the "schizoid...