Power & Authority (AQA GCSE Sociology): Flashcards
Exam code: 8192
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Define power.
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Cards in this collection (29)
Define power.
According to Weber, power is the ability of an individual or group to get what they want despite opposition from others.
Define coercion.
Coercion is power based on the use of force or threats, so people obey against their will.
Define authority.
Authority is power that people willingly agree to obey because they see it as legitimate.
Define traditional authority.
Traditional authority is authority based on custom and tradition, such as that of the monarchy.
Define rational legal authority.
Rational legal authority is based on people accepting a set of laws or rules, and it operates within a bureaucracy.
Authority based on a leader's exceptional and inspiring personal qualities is known as authority.
Authority based on a leader's exceptional and inspiring personal qualities is known as charismatic authority.
True or False?
Weber argued that a person can only hold one type of authority.
False.
Weber recognised authority is often a mix of types; for example, teachers have rational legal authority and some also have charismatic authority.
According to Marxists, where does the bourgeoisie's power come from?
The bourgeoisie's power comes from owning the means of production, and their economic power also gives them political power.
How do feminists criticise Marxist and Weberian accounts of power?
Feminists argue these accounts do not pay enough attention to gender, which they see as the most important source of division.
In which positions are women under-represented, according to feminists?
Women are under-represented among holders of political power, decision-makers and senior judges.
Which research methods did Walby use?
Walby reviewed existing research and theories and examined secondary sources such as historical data.
Define patriarchy.
Walby defines patriarchy as a system of social structures and practices in which men dominate and exploit women.
Name three of Walby's six patriarchal structures.
Walby's structures are paid employment, the household, culture, sexuality, male violence and the state.
According to Walby, how has patriarchy changed in Western society?
Walby argued there has been a shift from private patriarchy to public patriarchy.
How does Hakim explain the gender pay gap?
Hakim argues the pay gap exists because women make a lifestyle choice to leave the labour force to have children.
When do people enter power relationships?
People enter power relationships when they try to control or influence other people's behaviour.
Give two examples of everyday power relationships.
Everyday power relationships exist between parents and children, students and teachers and the public and the police.
Define representative democracy.
Representative democracy is where citizens elect representatives who make political decisions on their behalf.
Define dictatorship.
A dictatorship is where one ruler holds a disproportionate amount of power and rules by coercion, using censorship and propaganda.
What is fascism?
Fascism is a right-wing political system based on racism and nationalism, which began with Mussolini in Italy.
In UK general elections, the candidate with the most votes wins the seat; this system is called .
In UK general elections, the candidate with the most votes wins the seat; this system is called first-past-the-post.
Define proportional representation.
Proportional representation is an electoral system in which seats are allocated in proportion to the number of votes cast.
Why is proportional representation argued to be fairer?
Proportional representation is argued to be fairer because it gives minority parties and independent candidates a better chance of winning seats.
What is the role of the state?
The state's role is to make, implement and enforce laws, organising and regulating society.
True or False?
The police, military and legal system are directly controlled by the government.
False.
Although they are part of the state, they operate independently of the government.
How does the pluralist approach view power in society?
Pluralists argue there are many competing interests, no single group always gets its way and the state acts as a neutral referee.
How do Marxists view the role of the state?
Marxists argue the state's job is to safeguard the interests of the bourgeoisie, whose economic dominance gives them political power.
Why do pluralists see pressure groups as essential to democracy?
Pressure groups allow all opinions and interests to be heard and let citizens take part in the political process.
How does the conflict view see the influence of pressure groups?
The conflict view argues that groups such as large corporations have enough power, staff and money to influence government policy more than others.
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