The concept of power

The three dimensions of power

Some discussion for this week:

Tuesday, 1/31 the Third Face of Power

1) How does Stephen Lukes propose improving on the first two faces of power?

2) According to Lukes, the 3rd face of power allows us to consider the how some might enthusiastically and earnestly participate in their own oppression. How does this work? What methodological issues does this raise?

3) How do we know what someone's "real" interests are? What is wrong, according to Lukes, with just asking them?

4) Does Lukes expand the concept of power too far, so as to include influences that are freely adapted? How can we tell if, say, a consumptive choice is freely chosen?

5) Is Lukes developing the notion of power and prestige developed by Simmel?

posted by David Watkins @ 8:18 PM