Patriarchal Theory of State
According to patriarchal theory of the sate the state is nothing but an expansion of the family. In the beginning there was a husband and wife and children. The father was the chief controlling authority. With the passage of time, the family expanded and changed into clan which further developed into a tribe. This tribe occupied a village, each having a chief. Many such villages united in a single community, which was nearly self-sufficient. Aristotle has given the name of state to such a perfect community. The state was headed by a king. So the family place was taken by the state and the father’s position was occupied by the king.
The chief supporter this theory Sir Henry Maine who says that in every family the eldest male parent was the controlling authority. He had complete control over the lives of the members and the property of the family. Later on the family expanded and clans came into being. Further tribes were formed and finally the state.
Criticism on Patriarchal Theory of State
Patriarchal theory of statement explains the development of the state through one factor only that is kingship. The supporters of this theory say that the state is nothing but an expansion of the family. This is a very, simple explanation. There is great difference between family and the state. The authority of the father is natural and limited while that of the ruler is political and unlimited. Besides, the authority of the parent decreases as they grow old but the authority of the state increases with the passage of time