Examines the interconnections between an individual’s knowledge and social power, critically analysing the complex interrelationships between individual freedom and structural determinism in the expression of social power. Case studies include anti-war demonstrations, Greenpeace, and New Zealand’s drink-driving legislation and advertising campaigns.
How do people get what they want? How does an individual have the ability to influence others and control their future? Some of this may be zeal and know-how, but much of an individual's power is derived from society. This paper focuses on theories that explain the relationship between broad social structures and individual agency. From these perspectives, power is exercised by people or groups of people, but relies on social rules, resources and norms. We begin the paper by looking at philosophy on the relationship between the self and society and expand to consider how social rules are legitimised and how unequal power relations are produced and reproduced. Throughout the paper, examples from everyday life will be used to illustrate theories. Students are required to apply and communicate theories using examples from their own experiences and from media sources. Students are assessed internally through blog posts and writing assignments.
| Paper title | Theories of Social Power |
|---|---|
| Paper code | SOCI302 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $886.35 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,766.35 |
- Prerequisite
- 18 200-level SOCI, GEND, CRIM or ANTH points or 54 200-level Arts points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
- This paper is designed particularly for students in Sociology, Gender and Social Work, but is appropriate for any students interested in social theory and power.
- Contact
- sgsw@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work's website
- Teaching staff
- Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Dr Katharine Legun
- Paper Structure
- Key topics will include:
- Early philosophies of power
- The state and governance
- Institutions and norms
- Post-colonialism
- Neoliberalism
- Arenas of institutional power (education, law, health)
- Interaction and performances of power
- Class, race and gender as systems of power
- Teaching Arrangements
- Students are required to attend a lecture and tutorial once a week.
- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Readings will be available on Blackboard. - Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will
- Learn how power operates in society
- Become familiar with foundational thinkers in contemporary sociology, as well as some of the micro-theories and core areas of interest
- Learn how to use those theories to identify and explain how power is operating in everyday life
