Temporal orientation and political perspective

Abstract

This study uses sociology of time theories to determine the inner-structure of a social movement: the vest German Green Party. The data used in this study were obtained from a content analysis of articles found in the New York Times and the Washington Post from 1982 through 1985. Patterns of political/temporal perspectives, described by Mannheim, were explored.

In this study, it is determined that a pattern of political/temporal perspectives exists in the Green Party. A close look at these political/temporal perspectives revealed that over time some change occurred in the pattern. Thus, some support for Michels' Iron Law of Oligarchy which predicts change in a social rnove..rnent's orientations once that movement gains a political office was found.