The word "power" is derived from the Latin word "potere," which means "to be able." Max Weber, a well-known sociologist, defined power as the capacity to bring about the desired outcome despite opposition from others. Different sociological theories of power cover the implications of each type of power. These are the class theory of power, the elite theory of power, the pluralist theory of power, and the gender theory of power.
Class theory of power
Sociology's "class theory of power" is linked to Karl Marx and his Marxism. It claims that each society has two classes. The rich (haves) belong to one class, while the impoverished (have-nots) belong to the other. Economically speaking, the wealthy elite is dominant and controls the means of production. They are also influential on a social, political, and ideological level. They are able to keep their hegemony thanks to this power. Thus, they are the dominant group. The low class, on the other hand, is economically weaker and is taken advantage of on a social, political, and economic level. They are ruled over and oppressed by the wealthy class. The wealthy class uses the state as a tool to keep up their position of dominance.
Marxist theory holds that at every stage of social development, the wealthy class has used its position of power. For instance, masters used it against the slaves during the slave stage. Landowners then preferred using it for peasants. Other Marxist academics, like Weber, believed that the dominant class with power might come from any class, whether it be the bureaucracy or an ideologically dominant class. Marx therefore claimed that the economically wealthy class had power, despite the opinions of other academics who believed that any class, not just the economically wealthy one, could have power.
Elite theory of power
According to the elite theory of power, a select few people, or the elite group, control each civilization. They are in charge of establishing the laws and regulations of society. Therefore, the elite, or power elite, as we like to call them, holds the power. They control society's minority because they are the hub of power in it. Even in a democracy, the elected elite holds the reins of power. In this sociological theory of power, Pareto, O.Y. Gasset, Robert Michels, James Burnham, Mosca, and C. Wright Mills are the main protagonists. Each of them believed that this small elite group of people's influence was a result of both their unique traits and their organisational prowess. Knowledge, fortune, social standing, power, or skill are only a few examples.
In simple language, this theory holds that the elites control power in every community. They are the minority group that uses politics to uphold their hegemony. A small group of people, or an elite, controls each social class or aspect of society.
Pluralist theory of power
One of the sociological theories of power that rejects both the class and elite theories is this one. It claims that no elite or class uses their position of power in any society. Yet different groups make use of it. There are numerous groups of people in every community, and each one represents some important interests. These organisations are always vying with one another for control of society's influence and power. All of these groups collaborate and use their actions to shape the opinions and policies of society and its government. So, social groups exercise their sovereign rights.
Gender theory of power
One of the most significant sociological theories of power holds that men hold the majority of power and oppress women in all societies. The group of men holds the reins of power. So, it has to do with gender dominance. This sociological theory of power is endorsed by numerous feminist authors and activists. According to this theory, men and women are the predominant groups in each society. The liberation of women from damaging and anti-democratic male supremacy is promoted. Furthermore, it asserts that in order for women to participate equally in the exercise of power, patriarchy must be replaced by effective social, economic, and political equality.
Conclusion
We are all endowed with power, and we are also constantly surrounded by it. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and we may use it to have an influence, either positive or negative. It's crucial to recognise how certain people and groups might influence our social reality when studying society. Consequently, we can see that the class, elite, pluralist, and gender theories are the four main sociological theories of power. These sociological theories of power each give a different perspective on how power is distributed and used in society.
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