• Sociological study of political life examines social relations and groups involved in political activities, differing from psephology, which focuses on election predictions and polling behaviour.

• Sociology aims to understand the mechanisms of politics rather than merely predict outcomes.

• Central to this study is power, where power relations shape social organisations and influence participants.

• Marxian notions of communism and socialism emphasize dilution of power from a few to the masses.

• Weber’s Ideal Type of bureaucracy explores different forms of authority and power structures.

• Sociologists study political behaviour through group dynamics, ideology, and leadership.

• Social movements are analysed as collective actions in power negotiations.

• According to TB Bottomore, political institutions focus on division of power in society.

• Political systems have evolved from primitive communal groups to ancient city-states, medieval feudal states, and modern nation-states.

• Modern political systems operate within larger governments on the principle of separation of powers.

• Politics is all-pervasive, affecting both public and private life.

• Prakash Jha asserts that all relations are political, highlighting the influence of power dynamics on personal relationships.

• Sociologists focus on broader patterns of power and politics in society rather than individual instances.

• The power elite theorists provided a classical sociological framework to understand concentrated power and its societal effects.

Sociological Theories of Power and Power Elite

• Power is the ability of individuals or groups to carry out their will, even against opposition, often at the expense of others.

• Power may reside in an individual’s status, position, or relation to others.

• Weber (Economy and Society, 1922) defines power as the chance to realise one’s will in communal action, even against others’ will.

• Two types of power: coercion and authority.

• Weberian view: power is a constant sum game, limited in quantum; exercising power reduces power available to others.

• Functionalist view: power is a variable sum game, exercised for collective welfare, leading to cooperation, reciprocity, and societal well-being.

• Parsons: power differentials are necessary for effective pursuit of societal goals, exercised via social positions.

• Authority is power accepted as legitimate, giving the right to command and expect obedience.

• Sources of power include: personal, knowledge, prestige, emotional, organisational, community, elite, and masses’ power.

• Weberian perspective: power is limited and based on tradition, charisma, and legal-rational authority.

• Functionalist perspective: power is held by society, not individuals, and is used to achieve collective goals; no “losing masses”.

• Marxist perspective: power is coercive, used by the dominant class (haves) over the subordinated class (have-nots); rooted in economic infrastructure, extended across all life aspects; maintained through false consciousness; true power redistribution requires revolution and communal ownership of production.

• Elite theories: classify as classical (Mosca, Pareto, C.W. Mills) and pluralistic (Mannheim, Schumpeter, Downs, Dahl), analysing power concentration and distribution.

• French and Raven’s five bases of power:

  • Legitimate power: right to make demands and expect obedience; exercised by institutions.

  • Reward power: ability to compensate compliance; exercised by supervisors.

  • Expert power: derived from knowledge and skill; highly valued in knowledge economies.

  • Referent power: based on perceived attractiveness, worthiness, and respect.

  • Coercive power: ability to punish non-compliance; exercised by police, judiciary.

  • Later added: information power, control over access and dissemination of information.

• Power is distinct from influence, as power increases likelihood of desired response.

• Gene Sharp (1994): all power relies on obedience of subjects; refusal to obey removes power, influencing events like overthrow of Slobodan Milosevic and 2011 Arab Spring.

• Tim Gee (2011): oppressed groups possess counter-power, manifesting in social movements and protests to challenge elite power.