Rousseau sociologist: towards a theory of the functioning of the State

Abstract

This article deals with Rousseau’s propositions about the functioning of the State and the government, as exposed in his Social Contract. The authors first summarise Rousseau’s theoretical perspective which permits them to see the Republic as a complex whole. Then they proceed to examine his treatment of the importance of natural and human environment on its equilibrium. Finally, they expose their sociological hypothesis about the functioning of the State and government. The article concludes with some remarks on the significance of Rousseau’s theory for the establishment of a sociological perspective in the study of the political order.