Distribution of Power in Society

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Distribution of Power in Society

• www.educationforum.co.uk

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Functionalism

• Power has an important and positive function in
  society to maintain order and structure.
• The is a variable amount of power in society
  depending on how many people see it as legitimate
  (the variable sum model of power)

3
Marxism

• There is a fixed amount of power in society (zero
  sum model) and all of it is held by the ruling
  class (bourgeoisie).
• Power is economic, oppressive, coercive and
  ideological (shaping desires) and fulfils the
  negative function of keeping capitalism going.

4
Pluralism

• There are many centres of power (plural) in
  society.
• Pressure and interest groups compete with each
  other for influence over decision makers no one
  group rules.
• Pluralists see this as democratic and healthy

5
Elite Theory

• Society is divided between the rulers and the
  ruled.
• The rulers are an elite minority and they rule
  because they are more intelligent, cunning and
  brave than the rest of us.
• Rule by an elite is seen as natural and desirable.

6
Elite Pluralism

• Elite Pluralism recognises that some pressure
  groups have more power than others
• Power is seen as dispersed through society but
  pressure groups themselves are dominated by elites

7
Feminism

• Men have power over women through patriarchy
• Institutions in society serve to consolidate and
  perpetuate male power.

8
Postmodernists/Poststructuralists

• Power is seen as related to knowledge and
  language rather than social structures.
• Power is expressed through discourses (bodies
  of knowledge) which dominate how society sees how
  we should live our lives.
• Dominant discourses tell us what is normal and
  what is deviant in terms of family, sexuality,
  discipline and punishment, health, illness etc.