PO101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Oxbridge
Document Summary
In general, power is the ability to achieve a desired outcome. When person a has the ability to make person b do something that they do not want to do. The ability to coerce or influence the behaviour of others (power over people) What causes differences in power in the first place. Influence based on education, respect, social status, money, strength, knowledge, charisma. Power as decision making- focus on behaviour in situations of the presence of conflict in decision making situations. Power as agenda setting- (non-decision making) (elitist mindset- education and knowledge is power) covert power over what gets decided without regard for existing grievances (power is invisible and in the hands in the few) Power as domination- (ideological power) power to shape desires and beliefs averting both conflict and grievances. Trust in media, although it can be very biased and presented on a personal, emotional level. Authority-- power cloaked in legitimacy or rightfulness (legitimate power)
