Theories of the local state

Authors

  • Ηλίας Γεωργαντάς

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26266/jtovol2pp63-87

Keywords:

Local state, Central state

Abstract

Although the local state is a potentially fruitful theoretical category that might enhance understanding of essential social processes, it has been limited by false conceptualisations. Two early formulations of local state theory are dealt with in this paper: on the one hand Cockburn's as well as Dear's and Clark's instrumentalist version, on the other Saunder's and Cawson's dual state thesis -an essentially neo-pluralist interpretation of local processes. Both accounts are wrongly preoccupied with answering one way or the other how autonomous the local state can be vis a vis central state control. Although they arrive at diametrically opposite conclusions, their common shortcoming lies in the arbitrary though untold assumption that the local state category can be derived from the state's role alone. In this way essential locally specific social processes are ignored or vanish in unfounded generalisation. Moreover all reifications hitherto present in state theory are effectively transplanted to either a mere reflection of central state policies aiming to a vaguely defined capitalist reproduction requirement or to a functionally understood specificity and autonomy arising from the multiplicity of consumption sectors.

Published

1991-10-16

Issue

Section

Articles