Power & Authority (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology): Flashcards
Exam code: C200
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Define power.
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Cards in this collection (28)
Define power.
Power is the ability of an individual or group to get others to do what they want, even if there is resistance.
Which everyday relationships involve power?
Everyday power relationships include parents and children, teachers and students and the public and the police.
From which three sources can power come?
Power can come from economic, political and social sources.
___________ power comes from being respected, admired or influential, e.g. as a celebrity or religious leader.
Social power comes from being respected, admired or influential, e.g. as a celebrity or religious leader.
True or False?
Women now hold equal formal power with men in Parliament.
False.
After the 2024 general election there were 263 female Members of Parliament (40.5%), which shows progress but continued male dominance in formal power.
Define agencies of social control.
Agencies of social control are institutions that maintain order and encourage people to follow society's rules.
Which methods do formal agencies of social control use?
Formal agencies, such as the police, courts and prisons, use laws, official sanctions and punishments.
___________ agencies of social control include the family, peer groups, religion and the media.
Informal agencies of social control include the family, peer groups, religion and the media.
How do informal agencies of social control encourage conformity?
Informal agencies encourage conformity through rewards, approval, disapproval or peer pressure.
Define formal sources of power.
Formal sources of power belong to people or institutions with legal or official authority, and laws and formal rules support that power.
How do parents use informal power over children?
Parents use sanctions such as grounding or taking away privileges.
How do functionalists view social control?
Functionalists argue that social control maintains stability and shared values; without it, society would become disorganised and chaotic.
True or False?
Marxists argue that formal power benefits everyone in society equally.
False.
Marxists argue that formal power mainly benefits the ruling class, who use it to protect their wealth and privilege.
Define glass ceiling.
Feminists describe the glass ceiling as an invisible barrier that prevents women from reaching top positions and earnings.
Define coercion.
Coercion is the use of force or threats to make people obey.
Define authority.
Authority is power that people accept as legitimate because they believe it is right and fair.
To which social differences is authority linked?
Authority is linked to social differences such as age and gender.
True or False?
Before 2015, an older sister inherited the British throne ahead of a younger brother.
False.
Before 2015, a male heir inherited the throne even if he had an older sister, which shows traditional gendered authority.
Define traditional authority.
Traditional authority is authority based on custom, tradition and inheritance, where people obey because things have always been that way.
Which British institution is an example of traditional authority?
The British monarchy is an example, because a royal bloodline decides who becomes king or queen.
Define charismatic authority.
Charismatic authority is authority based on a leader's personal qualities, inspiration and ability to attract followers.
___________ authority is often temporary because it depends on the leader's personal appeal.
Charismatic authority is often temporary because it depends on the leader's personal appeal.
When do charismatic leaders often appear?
Charismatic leaders often appear during times of crisis or change.
Define rational-legal authority.
Rational-legal authority is authority based on rules, laws and formal procedures, not on tradition or personality.
True or False?
Charismatic authority is the most common form of authority in modern societies.
False.
Rational-legal authority is the most common form in modern societies, where leaders gain power through legal means such as elections.
Rational-legal authority operates within ___________, which are organisations with clear structures, hierarchies and regulations.
Rational-legal authority operates within bureaucracies, which are organisations with clear structures, hierarchies and regulations.
Why do police officers and judges have authority?
Police officers and judges have authority because the law gives them the power to enforce rules.
How can a teacher combine types of authority?
A teacher has rational-legal authority from school rules but may also have charismatic authority if they inspire students.
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