Power as a Structural Phenomenon

Abstract

In an effort to inform empowerment theory and research, this paper provides a structural conception of power. First, we examine the essential features present in three dominant conceptions of power in community psychology: social power, psychopolitical power, and relational power. Next, commonalities in the key features of power identified by these conceptions are explored and pared down to yield a more parsimonious conception of power that is grounded only in the structural pattern of relationships through which resources are exchanged. Drawing on social exchange theory, we offer a method for measuring this streamlined, structural conception of power that allows for its more precise examination. Finally, we discuss the implications of a structural conception and measurement of power for targeting and facilitating empowering processes and evaluating empowered outcomes.

Toward Relational Empowerment

“…Relational structures as they relate to the origins, exercise and maintenance of power (Neal and Neal 2011) represent another promising avenue for future research. Relational structures as they relate to the origins, exercise and maintenance of power (Neal and Neal 2011) represent another promising avenue for future research.…”

“…Relational structures as they relate to the origins, exercise and maintenance of power (Neal and Neal 2011) represent another promising avenue for future research. For instance, Neal and Neal (2011) propose a method for examining the relative power of actors in a resource exchange network, and Noy (2008) presents an approach to power mapping that might be adapted for studies of relational empowerment. As discussed earlier, concepts from social network theory-including centrality, reach, weak ties, closure, and structural holes-are potentially relevant to understanding relational empowerment, but empirical studies are needed to link these concepts with psychological empowerment.…”

Differentiating Centrality and Power in the World City Network

“…The second equation, used to compute recursive power, performs the same operation but weights each connection by the contact's inverse degree centrality, at SETON HALL UNIV on April 5, 2015 usj.sagepub.com Downloaded from thus capturing the extent to which city i is able to dominate (i.e. is the sole exchange partner for) city j (Neal and Neal, 2010). These measures can be computed using the <centpow> command in STATA, which has been written to accompany this paper; it can be downloaded by typing 'findit centpow' in the STATA command line.…”

Community conversations as community engagement: hosts’ reflections

“…(Host 2) These hosts' reflections underscore the value of asset awareness. Before a community can begin to utilise community assets to address community problems, the existence of those assets must first be apparent to the community (Neal & Neal, 2011). Awareness of assets is important in promoting greater self-efficacy and optimism within communities facing shared challenges (Boyd & Bright, 2007).…”