EXPLORING POLITICS AS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL INSTITUTION THAT

SHAPES A SOCIETY’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LIFE

Writing by: danlamigodfrey878@gmail.com

Introduction

The contemporary society readily shows that politics influentially shape the fabric of
social, economic and cultural life of any society. While other institutions like religion, education
and family contribute to societal development, on the basis of the mechanisms of political power.
It is through these political mechanisms that the most pervasive and overarching frameworks are
established, and politics dictate the parameters within which other institutions operate and thrive.
Furthermore, Politics influence the allocation of resources, distribution of power, creation of
laws, policies and is the backbone of any society because it shapes its social, economic, and
cultural life. Its impact on society is far-reaching and profound. This essay examines the impact
of politics on society’s social, economic, and cultural life, and why it is the most influential
institution in shaping a society's trajectory.

Social Impact of Politics

The social life of any community is intrinsically linked to political structures. It is the
Government that organises legislative bodies that create and enforce laws defining individuals’
rights and responsibilities to regulate interpersonal interactions and establish norms of conduct.
Politics deals with issues such as civil rights and public safety, which shapes the social cohesion,
and overall security of any society. Furthermore, it is the degree of political freedom and the
extent of democratic participation that also dictate the level of social engagement. According to
Robert, “political systems vary in the extent to which they are democratic and provide
opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making.”1

Thus, Politics significantly shape the social life of any society through the policies and
laws created by governments, and they impact social issues such as education, healthcare, and
social welfare. According to Akeem et.al, politics is the process of a society’s collective
policymaking for an entire society. It is the science of keeping an eye on state activities, fighting
for and comprehending the state and conditions to achieve peace and development. Through
politics society members collectively design policies, set structures, purposes, and ideals in their
lives to have a harmonious relationship and sustainable development. Politics is the creation,
maintenance, and amendment of societal norms or rules. 2 Political institutions influence society
by maintaining law and order, plan and direct society, provide welfare services for society,

1
Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (Simon &
Schuster, 2000), 15.
defend it against external attacks, and evaluate other institutional activities. Furthermore, Politics
influence society through promoting social justice, equality, and human rights as governments
create policies that promote equality and justice, such as anti-discrimination laws or perpetuate
inequality and injustice through discriminatory policies on social justice in the way that
governments can respond to issues such as police brutality, voting rights and immigration.

Economic Impact of Politics

The economic influence of politics on society is that the economic policies created by the
government affect economic growth, employment, and income inequality. For instance, taxation
policies impact the distribution of wealth, while trade policies shape the flow of goods and
services across borders. Furthermore, politics shape the business environment, influence the ease
of doing business, and establish regulations. Politics also affect the economy by creating policies
that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and competition. However, it also hinders economic
growth through bureaucratic red tape and corruption. According to Thomas, the political process
determines who gets what, when, and how, in economic terms 3. Thus, the decisions concerning
interest rates, national debt, the allocation of public funds, employment rates, the distribution of
wealth, the establishment of industries to support citizens, the promotion of certain economic
sectors, or the implantation of welfare programmes that are fundamental to altering a nation’s
economic growth lies in the hands of politics. For example, a government’s decision to
nationalize an industry or to heavily regulate financial markets can have far-reaching
consequences on investment, innovation, and global competitiveness, which can only be
executed through political power.

Cultural Impact of Politics

According to Anderson's statement, “imagine communities largely constructed through

political process and narratives4, shows that political ideologies national movement can foster
and share a sense of identity, values and purpose, often promoting specific historical narratives,
language or artistic expressions. Historically, government as fund arts, cultural heritage and
public broadcasting of cultural practices and heritage in public schools. This enable politics to
shape the cultural landscape of any society which ends up influencing what a particular culture
create/practice, consumed and their festivals. Furthermore, political alliances and international

2
Akeem Olalekan Ayub and Ribah Yusuf Bala, “Chapter Eleven: Politics as a Social Institution”
(ayubakeemola@gmail.com) 5.
3
Thomas Sowell, Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy (Basic Books, 2011), 5.

4
Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Verso,
2006), 6.
relations through politic pave way for the flow of ideas, traditions and cultural products across
borders.

Conclusion

Politics is the most influential institution because it set the rules for other institutions and
show how society should functions through it pervasive reach and fundamental role in
organizing collective lives in any society.