What is Power?

It is the key to understanding how society is structured and how that shapes our interactions with one another.

Power may be defined as:

the ability to self-determine

control over your own body

control over your own circumstances

the ability to carry out your will despite opposition (Max Weber, a famous sociologist)

According to science, power is “a universal element of human existence and it is present in all forms of social relationships.” In the united states, power usually means the same thing as money because money (like donations to PACs and non-profit organizations) is how we can buy political influence.

Power is “socially-constructed.” This means that our social groups create (construct) meaning and give it importance. Even though it is basically made up, social constructions have very real impacts on our lives. For example, money is also socially-constructed. Without the meaning we give it, ca$h is just weird green fabric-paper. With the meaning, it can change or save your life.

Since power is socially-constructed, those with the most “social power” have the most say. We create meaning through culture which is heavily influenced by the dominant culture. Our individual, subjective opinion becomes objective fact when other people buy into it. It also means that those at the top of the power hierarchy are in power because of the people they rule over. Without collective agreement, power has no meaning.

This collective agreement can be created by force. Total control over violence (like the military or armed police) helps unpopular leaders maintain power.