Social Institutions - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... Dennis states that asymmetrical power relations are clearly evident when interactions amongst people having same level of social power are taken into account. In certain circumstances, a person “A” controls and determines the actions of the other person “B”. And likewise, in some other specific situations, B attains the position of the power-holder and A becomes the target of this power. As a matter of fact, the author opines that, this scenario is an indicator of presence of healthy social relations. (1)After that, Dennis focuses on differentiating between intercursive power and integral power. At this point, he says that the first-mentioned (intercursive power) is a typical feature of relations that display near-perfect equilibrium of power. Intercursive power can be seen in social interactions where, the power held by one person is same as the one wielded by another individual. This form of power is best explained by throwing light on social relations, in which, all the related parties arrive at a collective decision that is best for their given objectives. In fact, intercursive power makes sure that none of the concerned parties can act in a way that jeopardizes the interests of the entire group. To put it in other words, this pattern (of power) is closer to norms of democracy. (1)On the other hand, integral power is nothing but almost limitless power being vested in the hands of a single group or person. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More