Power

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Revision as of 15:25, 23 October 2012

Power, in relation to the structuration theory (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009), is closely linked to the concept of resources. Within the structuration theory, the term resource does not refer directly to something material, like natural resources or raw materials. Resources rather refer to power over people and materials: it is more the capability to steer resources, not the actual physical 'having of' resources. It is therefore more a subjective power then a objective power.

He defines Power as 'a capability of transformation' (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009). One who has more power has the capability to change the structures of social praxis. Power plays an important part in social encounters: power is implicit in all interactions and social relations.

Power in the classical meaning

Power in the classical sense is usually meant as a person or organisation that has influence over a large group of people. In the past the church had most of the power, but nowadays it is mostly the state.

Power according to Foucault

Foucault refers to 'power' in the relational sense, not about power itself. By which he means that you can influence the other person in the relationship. He refers to three types of relationships, who also overlap each other, support one another and are used mutually (Foucault, 1983).

• Systems of communication
• Power relations
• Finalised activities

Power can only be used/acknowledged when it limits freedom or the other person(s) in the relationship has a (limited) freedom. To understand study power relations the forms of resistance against this power has to be studied (See Conflictual (power) relationship). So to understand the power relations, not the ones exercising power have to be studied, but the ones who are at the side of resistance have to be studied. Power only exists when actions are implemented, subjects can react with consensus or with violence as an instrument, but this can also be an outcome. With power there also has to be some sort of freedom as a condition, if not, the subject won't agree with the amount of power that their leader has and they will struggle.

Examples of Power

A example of power in the classical meaning can be a king or emperor in a historical context. The king would have power over a large group of people as head of state. He would control the army and justice system. All power would flow from the king. A more recent example is Fasicism where the nation was controlled by one person. Power according to Foucault is meant on a smaller level. For example when you are sick and go the the doctor, the doctor has power over you. He has knowledge you do not have which you have to follow blindly if you want to get better.

Transformative capacities

Giddens (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009) distinguishes two types of transformative capacities: of authorization and allocation.

Authorizative resources refer to the capacity of controlling the humanly created social world: controlling the actors themselves (the power to organize social time-space paths of human individuals).

Allocative resources refer to the capability of controlling the natural basis of human life: steering the appropriation and use of material objects. Therefore, allocation resources involve a transformative capacity generating command over material phenomena.

References

• Lippuner, R. & Werlen, B. (2009). Structuration theory. In: Internation encyclopedia for human geography. Elsevier.
• Foucault, M. (1983). Beyond structuralism and hermeneutics, p. 208-266.

Contributors

• page created by Lars-Olof Haverkort --LarsHaverkort 16:41, 16 September 2012 (CEST)
• page enhanced by --DennisPrince 10:57, 26 September 2012 (CEST)
• Edited by --SuzanneBleijenberg 16:19, 12 October 2012 (CEST)
• Example added by --DennisPrince 10:53, 16 October 2012 (CEST)
• Edited by Huub van der Zwaluw HuubVanDerZwaluw 16:39, 23 October 2012 (CEST)