Understanding Power

Understanding Power

1. Models of Power

   • 3 Dimensions of Power
     • Lukes
     • One Dimensional
       • controlling power
         • who wins arguments etc
       • hierarchical
         • one dominant; others subordinate
     • Two Dimensional
       • exercised through control over decision making
         • also non-decision making
           • exercise power by making others wait
             • stressful
       • 2 way interaction
         • negotiation
     • Three Dimensional
       • more subjective/normative
         • decisions not always conscious
           • social norms
           • culture
   • Gender Interpretation of Power
     • Jo Rowlands
     • Power Over
       • controlling power; domination
       • 1D
     • Power To
       • have decision making authority; influence others
         • women can have influence
       • 2D
     • Power With
       • collective action; solidarity
       • 3D
     • Power Within
       • self confidence; awareness; assertiveness
         • women conditioned to always depend on men
       • additional to Lukes

2. Empowerment

   • What is It?
     • Challenging them
     • Exposing oppressive structures
     • Changing institutions
     • Having viable alternatives
       • materially possible; culturally acceptable
     • move towards equality
   • Empowerment approach in dev policy
     • Informed by GAD; 3rd world feminism
     • focus on changing...
       • division of labour
       • control of resources
       • legal rights
       • participation
   • Rowland's Model - 3 Dimensions
     • Personal
       • self confidence; self esteem etc
     • Relational
       • relationships - family; kinship networks
     • Collective
       • achieving change through collective action
   • Longwe's Framework

3. Policy Approaches

   • Moser
   • Welfare
     • 50s/60s
     • benefit women in their reproductive role
   • Equity
     • 70s/80s
     • original WID approach
     • triple role recognised
   • Anti-Poverty
     • 1970 onwards
     • focus only on productive role
   • Efficiency
     • 80s onwards
       • SAPs
     • extending women's labour time
   • Empowerment
     • 1985 onwards
     • subordination comes from patriarchy/colonialism
     • self-reliance
     • driven by women from 3rd world