Defining-Power. .pdf

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1. Defining Power
Power in its broadest sense, as stated by Heywood
(2007) is the ability to achieve a desired outcome and
is sometimes seen as the ¡®power to¡¯ do something.

2. Dimensions or Faces of Power
R.
According to Heywood (2007), the following are the various ways
how power is
exercised by members of society.

3. Power as Decision-Making
1
Control over Resources
Access to and control over resources like money, information, or
technology can influence decision-making and shape outcomes.
2
Strategic Positioning
Individuals or groups with strategic positions within
organizations or networks can exert significant influence over
decision-making processes.
3
Agenda Setting
The ability to influence what issues are considered and
discussed, shaping the parameters of decision-making.

4. Power as Agenda Setting
1
Public Discourse
Controlling the flow of
information, shaping public
opinion, and influencing the
media agenda can significantly
impact decision-making.
2
Political Lobbying
Powerful groups and
individuals can leverage their
resources to influence policy
decisions and shape legislative
agendas.
3
Framing the Debate
The ability to define the terms
of a debate, focusing attention
on specific aspects and
highlighting particular
perspectives.
4
Public Opinion
Power holders often seek to
align their agendas with public
opinion, shaping policies and
decisions to appeal to popular
sentiment.

5. Power as Thought Control
Propaganda
Disseminating biased or misleading
information to manipulate public
perception and control beliefs.
Social Control
Through social norms, cultural
expectations, and institutional structures,
power holders can influence individual
behavior and thought patterns.
Ideology
Power can be exercised through the
dissemination and promotion of
ideologies, shaping how people
understand the world and their place in it.