"Power is the social production of an effect that determines the capacities, actions, beliefs, or conduct of actors."
The study of power dynamics in a society, including the distribution of power, who holds it, and how it is exercised.
definition and context of power: Understanding what power means in society and how it impacts individuals and groups.
sources and types of power: Exploring the different ways that power is obtained and wielded, including social, economic, and political power.
power structures and hierarchies: Examining the way that power is distributed within society and how this creates unequal relationships.
social inequality and oppression: Understanding how power structures contribute to social inequality and the marginalization of certain groups.
resistance and activism: Exploring how marginalized groups resist power structures and pursue social change through activism.
privilege and intersectionality: Recognizing how intersecting identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) impact power dynamics and create privilege for some and oppression for others.
social justice and human rights: Examining the role of power in upholding or violating human rights and the pursuit of social justice.
history of power and social movements: Studying the historical context of power and social movements, including examples of successful and unsuccessful resistance against power structures.
ethics and morality: Considering the ethical implications of power and the responsibilities of individuals and groups who wield power.
democracy and governance: Exploring the relationship between power and government, and the role of democracy in distributing and limiting power.
Coercive power: The power that is derived from the use of force or threats to make one comply with the demands of the oppressor.
Reward power: This type of power is granted to a person who has the ability to reward or provide something positively or negatively based on the action of another person.
Legitimate power: This power is given to an individual by the hierarchical structure of an organization. This kind of power is supported by the law or the social norm.
Referent power: This power is derived from the admiration and respect people have for an individual. This power can be referred to as a charismatic personality, hero worship or role model.
Expert power: This power belongs to someone who possesses specialized knowledge, skills, or abilities which others do not have.
Informational power: A power where the holders of this power have access to critical information and, therefore, can leverage that knowledge for their benefit.
Connection Power: Power derived from an individual's social network or connection to an influential group or individual.
Physical Power: Power that is based on someone's physical abilities and strength.
Emotional Power: Power derived from an individual's ability to read, control, and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.
Intellectual Power: Power that is derived from someone's critical thinking and intellectual ability.
"Power does not exclusively refer to the threat or use of force (coercion) by one actor against another."
"Power may also be exerted through diffuse means (such as institutions)."
"Power may also take structural forms, as it orders actors in relation to one another."
"Discursive forms of power exist as categories and language may lend legitimacy to some behaviors and groups over others."
"The term authority is often used for power that is perceived as legitimate or socially approved by the social structure."
"Power can be seen as evil or unjust; however, power can also be seen as good and as something inherited or given for exercising humanistic objectives that will help, move, and empower others as well."
"Scholars have distinguished between soft power and hard power."
"Power is the social production of an effect that determines the capacities, actions, beliefs, or conduct of actors."
"Power may also be exerted through diffuse means (such as institutions)."
"Power takes structural forms, as it orders actors in relation to one another."
"Categories and language may lend legitimacy to some behaviors and groups over others."
"The term authority is often used for power that is perceived as legitimate or socially approved by the social structure."
"Power can be seen as evil or unjust; however, power can also be seen as good."
"Power can be inherited or given for exercising humanistic objectives that will help, move, and empower others."
"Power can also be seen as good and as something inherited or given for exercising humanistic objectives that will help, move, and empower others."
"Scholars have distinguished between soft power and hard power."
"Power may take structural forms, discursive forms, and can be exerted through diffuse means."
"Power orders actors in relation to one another (such as distinguishing between a master and an enslaved person, a householder and their relatives, an employer and their employees, a parent and a child, a political representative and their voters...)."
"The term authority is often used for power that is perceived as legitimate or socially approved by the social structure."