Power (as defined by Max Weber): “the ability of an individual or group to achieve their own goals or aims when others are trying to prevent them from realising them”
Weber identified power as being either
authoritative or coercive.
Authoritative power is exercising power which is seen as legitimate. By being legitimate it is effective because those who are subject to the power do so with consent.
In contrast
coercion is where someone exercises power through force – you’re forcing someone to do something against their wishes.
1. Where, when, how, and why do you feel power?
2. Where, when, how, and why do you feel powerless?
3. How does power relate to culture?
Remember the definition of CULTURE?
Sociology understands culture as the languages, customs, beliefs, rules, arts, knowledge, and collective identities and memories developed by members of all social groups that make their social environments meaningful. Sociologists study cultural meaning by exploring individual and group communication; meaningfulness is expressed in social narratives, ideologies, practices, tastes, values, and norms as well as in collective representations and social classifications.
http://www.asanet.org/topics/culture
Watch:
Why Ordinary People Need to Understand Power- Ted Talk
Take notes on the following:
- What is the major argument that the speaker is making
- In what ways do you see Weber's definition of power apply in the argument and examples?
- What advice can you take away from this Ted Talk?
- How is power related to culture?
- How do archetypes interact with this concept?
- What are some examples of power beyond your initial conceptions of exercises of power?
- What connections can you make to the discussion on power?
FOR FRIDAY:
From your notes, write 4 "how' and "why" type of questions. Make sure that your questions are examining the text we just viewed. Don't drift too much into the abstract "what if" scenario type of question.
I will be checking that your questions are done AT THE BEGINNING of class tomorrow.
Small Socratic seminar tomorrow. Review the guidelines and scoring guide for the seminar.
Socratic Seminar Handout