Authors: Kuper & Kuper
Summary: The entry defines the term, considers the context in which factions operate, and briefly surveys scholarly to the concept. The entry defines a faction as a coalition of individuals recruited by or on behalf of an individual who is in competition with another individual or coalition with whom he or she was formerly united. Factions compete for honor and the control of resources. Factions center on the leaders who organize them.
The entry notes that factions typically deploy in certain situations. Although the number of competing factions can vary, there are usually two. Often one is associated with the dominant power in the community. It is usually conservative, with access to a range of resources. It tends to be defensive and concerned with protecting its superior position. Aligned against it, the opposition faction consists of individuals who are dissatisfied with the decisions and power of the status quo.
Political scientists (Lasswell) showed the earliest interest in factions. In the past few decades, social anthropologists (Firth) have become interested in exploring the concept.