SOCIOLOGICAL-THEORY AND THE INSTITUTION OF PATRONAGE

This article deals with the neglected question of patronage. The author presents the ways in which the sociological theory suggests the fiction of equality. From this point of view the concepts of the community and society, of a group, formal organization and functional as well as conflict approach to the study of power are analyzed. This fiction of equality prevents sociology from exploring seriously the institution which reproduces inequality among people. The author defines the relations of patronage as a non-market method of distribution of scarce goods. That is why he refuses the attempts to grasp the category of patronage, in the terms of the exchange theory which only formalizes market relations. Patronage is the opposite of market calculation, it enables separation of those for whom the goods in demand will be available. That is why it flourishes above all in connection with the distribution of power. The principles of the classical patronage which was an important part of functioning of traditional societies began to split up at the beginning of the industrial revolution and when market became the dominating element. At the level of everyday relations it is becoming favoritism which loses the ethos of patronage devotion. The patronage loyalty is transformed into the loyalty to the native country, the class the nation etc. Politician abuse this break up to legitimize their patronage nets by using the rhetoric of devotion to the great ideals of equality.