Power - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In GCSE Sociology, "power" refers to the ability or capacity of individuals or groups to influence, control, or direct the behaviour of others within society. It often means having the authority to make decisions that affect people's lives and can be seen in different places like the government, schools, families, and workplaces. Power can be held by people in official positions, like politicians or teachers, but can also be more informal, like a popular student influencing their friends. Understanding power helps us see how societies are organised and how social relationships work.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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