Meaning of Behaviouralism:

Behaviouralism is a special method of organising and analyzing political facts which was developed after Second World War by American political scholars. Behaviouralism is result of dissatisfaction towards the outcome of traditional approach. Behaviouralism is an intellectual movement in context of various social sciences which aims at making socialistic thinking more experiential, authentic and scientific.

In brief, Behaviouralism is an intellectual approach, a study method, movement and ideology which aims to make Political Science a pure science by studying human behaviour through experiential study based on realistic approach. Reasons of Rise of Behaviouralism.

Following are the reasons of rise of behaviouralism: 

• 1. Dissatisfaction with Traditional Study Methods: There were many shortcomings in traditional approach, so political thinkers were disappointed. There are many reasons for the dissatisfaction with traditional approach. 
• Only politicians were given importance in government policy making and execution. Political scholars and researchers were ignored, 
• Only theoretical and explanatory study was done in traditional approach. There was lack of realistic study 
•  Traditional approach failed to explain the reasons of rise, development and popularity of Fascism, Nazism, racism and Totalitarian approaches 
• Explanatory study method of traditional approach was considered insufficient.

2. Effect of Second World War: 

Catastrophic and destructive happenings of Second World War put a question mark on the very existence of human civilization. Traditional study methods failed miserably in even foretelling about this war. This war inspired political thinkers for new researches and principles.

3. Inspiration from various social sciences: 

Behaviouristic approach and scientific methods had already been used by various social sciences. So, it was not possible for Political Science to remain aloof.

4. Use of New study methods: 

After Second World War, this assumption grew stronger that new study methods should be used in Political Science. Increasing use of new methods, techniques, instruments , research methods, statistical approach, etc. made study of Political Science more realistic and helped Behaviouralism to grow.

5. Rise of New States and Problems of Under – Developed Countries: 

Many countries got freedom after Second World War. It was not possible to know about the real situation by studying through traditional approach the problems, processes and threats of under – developed countries and newly-liberated countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.