What is social power? This concept is familiar to many people, but not everyone can say what it means. Given the fact that you followed the link to the article and are now reading these lines, we dare to assume that you are also interested in the answer to the question. In this case, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our article, which details this topic. We recommend reading the text from beginning to end so as not to miss important information.
What is power?
What is social power? Before answering the question, it is necessary to begin to understand what the word power generally means.
Power is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that manifests itself in a variety of organizational forms, methods and methods of its implementation, principles, tasks, etc. Different methods can underlie the power: democracy, authoritarianism, deceit, promises, violence, etc. Experts agree that power emerged with the birth of human society and will always accompany its development in one way or another. It is needed in order to organize production and regulate the relationship between people in society.
Max Weber identifies the following sources of power:
- Violence (weapons, brute physical strength).
- Authority (family, religion, charisma, expert knowledge).
- Law (position and authority, control of resources, traditions and customs).
In literature, social power, state power, and political power are distinguished. Let's take a closer look at each concept.
Social power
Social power is the means by which social structures and social institutions can function. It is an important component of any organization of public life. Social power is characteristic of any organized group of people (family, tribe, state, party, company, public organization, society as such). It brings to society a system, organization and order.
Joint social activity involves the distribution of labor, the emergence of a certain hierarchy and the establishment of the principles of relationships between people. Because of this, the need for social power appears.
At the core of it is invariably an element of coercion. Methods of coercion and methods of subjugating someone else's will are carried out through the organs of social power. They can be completely different: economic, religious, ideological, corporate, military, etc.
State and political power
State power is a type of political power. Despite the fact that some scholars identify political power and state power, most experts agree that these concepts should be distinguished.
State power has specific characteristics that are characteristic only for it:
- Publicity. State power is exercised through a special administrative apparatus, and the decisions it makes are ensured through an appropriate enforcement apparatus.
- Sovereignty. It is independent and has supremacy within the state.
- Universality. State power extends its influence throughout the country and to all citizens.
- Monopoly on the publication of socially important legal acts.
- Legality and legitimacy.
Legality and legitimacy of power
Legality and legitimacy of power are close, but do not coincide in content categories.
Legality is a legal characteristic and legal justification of power, its compliance with rights and laws. Legitimacy is a moral characteristic of power, which implies its trust and justification.
The power that issues and implements laws can be legal, but at the same time it can be considered illegitimate, that is, people may not accept it.
There are three forms of legitimization of power:
- Traditional legitimation. It is associated with traditions, and sometimes with the special role of religion and personal estate dependence. An example is the semi-feudal theocratic government in some eastern countries.
- Charismatic legitimation. It is due to the special qualities of state leaders. These include strength of mind, oratory, prophetic gift, etc. The charismatic legitimacy is also promoted by the cult of personality that is created around the ruler. Charismatic leaders include Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, etc.
- Rational legitimation. It is based on a reasonable choice: citizens support or reject the new government, guided by a personal assessment of power. The basis of rational legitimation is not empty promises and populism, but the fruits of the work of the government, the activities of state bodies for the benefit of the people, open and honest dialogue of the state with their own citizens, the ability to admit their mistakes at least partially, but to agree with the arguments of their opponents.
- Xenic legitimation. Imposing on the citizens through the media the image of a successful government.
- Stereotypic legitimation. Reliance on the feelings that are in the subconscious.
What does socially significant mean?
Socially significant benefits, socially significant projects, socially significant objects ... Quite often, these phrases can be heard on the radio or TV. What does socially significant mean? This question is as popular as the following: "What is social power?" In fact, this concept does not require a long explanation. Speaking in the simplest and most understandable language, socially significant is one that is of public interest.
The subjects of social power in social and labor relations
In social and labor relations, the subjects of social. authorities are the following structures: the state, local governments, employers, as well as social partners (workers and employers represented by their representatives).
We can put an end to this. What is social power? You have received a detailed answer to such a complex and confusing question. We hope that the information provided in the article was informative and you learned a lot of interesting facts!