Politics Meaning and Types

Politics Meaning and Types: Power, according to Max Weber (1947), is “the likelihood that one actor within a social interaction would be able to carry out his own will despite opposition, independent of the foundation on which this probability depends.”

Positions of power may ‘develop from social interactions in the drawing room as well as in the market, from the rostrum of a lecture hall as well as the command post of a regiment, from an amorous or philanthropic relationship as well as intellectual debate or sports,’ according to him. It also affects relationships in the home (husband and wife) and at school (teacher and student).

Thus, for Weber, power is the ability of a man or a group of men to carry out their own will in a collective activity despite the opposition of other participants. Power, according to Alvin Genldner (1970), is the capacity to enforce one’s moral claims, among other things. As a result, the strong may normalise their moral defaults.

‘Power,’ according to renowned sociologist Anthony Giddens (1997), is “the ability to make a difference, to alter things from what they would have been otherwise,” or “transformative” capability. ‘A wields power over B when A impacts B in a way that is opposed to B’s interests,’ says one definition. Power has three dimensions or faces, according to Steven Lukes (2005):

• Decision-making
• Non-decision-making
• Desires are shaped.
• Different Kinds of Power

Politics Meaning and Types

According to Max Weber (1958), there are three (not one) separate and equally significant orders of power.

• Economic power

Economic power, according to Marx, is the foundation of all power, including political power. It is based on an objective link between forms of production, a group’s labour market situation, and its prospects. Economic power is a measure of a person’s capacity to influence events via pecuniary advantage.

• Social power

It is based on unofficial community opinion, family status, honour, prestige, and consumption and lifestyle trends. Weber emphasised the significance of social power, which often takes precedence over economic objectives. Contemporary sociologists have placed such a premium on social status that they seem to overlook the value of political power at times.

• Political power

It is built on ties to the legal system, political party allegiance, and a large bureaucracy. Large-scale government bureaucracies are used to institutionalise political power. One of the most enduring conceptions has been that they are ruled by elites, or limited, privileged groups.

Political power is concerned with the operations of states that are not limited to national borders. Political power networks may be found in nations all over the world. Political authority includes both the ability to tax and the ability to distribute resources to people.

Politics Meaning and Types

Aside from Weber’s categories of power, there are a few more, as listed below:

• Knowledge is a powerful tool.

Power, according to Foucault (1969), is inextricably related to knowledge. Power and knowledge are mutually produced. He regarded education as a tool for ‘keeping an eye on’ and manipulating people.

• Military might

It entails the use of physical violence. In politics, warfare has always played a significant role. Modern mass military systems evolved into bureaucratic organisations, radically altering the character of war planning and combat. Few organisations in society, according to Weber, derive their authority only from military prowess.

• Powerful ideologies

For example, communism, fascism, and various forms of nationalism all include the control of ideas and beliefs. These ideologies are typically antagonistic to prevailing institutions and play a key role in the organisation of believers into sects and political organisations. There are two sorts of power, according to Michael Mann (1986), distributional and collective.

• The ability to distribute electricity

It is a position of dominance over others. Individuals’ capacity to persuade others to assist them in achieving their objectives. Individuals are in possession of it

• The power of the crowd

Social groupings are the ones who use it. It might be used to favour one social group over another.