Questions and Answers
What is the definition of power?
Power is the ability of A to get B to do something that B does not want to do.
What type of power involves the threat of physical force?
Where can power relationships be seen?
In a range of social institutions including the workplace, schools, and the family.
What is authority?
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Which type of authority exists because it has been long-standing?
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What defines a legitimate government?
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What is direct democracy?
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What does being a citizen mean?
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What is active citizenship?
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Citizens can participate by __________.
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Study Notes
Definition of Power
- Power is defined as the ability of one party (A) to compel another party (B) to act against its will.
- Influential roles such as teachers and police exemplify power dynamics in society.
Different Types of Power
- Coercive Power: Utilizes physical force or threats, typically enforced by law enforcement; failure to comply can lead to incarceration.
- Political Power: Resides in Parliament and leaders like the Prime Minister in the UK; they create laws that regulate societal behavior.
- Influential Power: Arises from media, public opinion, or interest groups; it lacks formal authority but can impact government actions.
Who Holds Power?
- Power dynamics manifest in various institutions such as workplaces, schools, and families.
- Pluralist perspective highlights societal consensus from diverse viewpoints, sharing power among various groups.
- Conflict theory, particularly from Marxists, posits that power is concentrated among the economically dominant classes and ties closely to social stratification.
Definition of Authority
- Authority refers to the recognized right to exercise power, granted typically through democratic means.
- Legitimate power is often perceived as that which is exercised within a framework of authority.
Different Types of Authority
- Traditional Authority: Established through long-standing practices; consent is often implicit (e.g., monarchy).
- Charismatic Authority: Relies on an individual's personal appeal and ability to inspire (e.g., religious leaders, figures like Gandhi).
- Legal-Rational Authority: Basis in legal frameworks; derived from democratic elections (e.g., police officers, elected officials).
Definition of Democracy
- Democracy derives legitimacy from the legal-rational authority of elected governments through a process perceived as fair and inclusive, ensuring all votes carry equal weight.
Different Types of Democracy
- Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly, often through referendums; risks chaotic outcomes without a decisive leader.
- Representative Democracy: Elected officials represent the interests of the populace, ensuring diverse societal representation; acts as an indirect form of democracy.
- Participatory Democracy: Promotes involvement from every citizen in political processes, allowing opportunity for engagement regardless of active participation.
What Does Being a Citizen Mean?
- Citizenship encompasses legal membership in a state, entailing rights (e.g., education, free speech) and obligations, such as adherence to laws and tax responsibilities.
Active Citizenship
- The Labour government encouraged active citizenship during Tony Blair's tenure, aiming to reverse political apathy through engagement in elections and awareness of political issues.
- David Cameron's Big Society initiative aimed to enhance community involvement and civic engagement starting in 2010.
How Can Citizens Participate?
- Actions for civic engagement include contacting Members of Parliament (MPs), running for public office, participating in elections or referendums, signing e-petitions, joining protests, and aligning with political parties or pressure groups.
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Description
Explore key concepts in sociology with these flashcards focused on the definition and types of power. Understand how power dynamics operate in various contexts, such as education and law enforcement. Perfect for students looking to grasp the fundamentals of power in society.
