Power and democracy (Lukes, Foucault)

Lukes: What is his argument?

There are three fundamentally different dimensions of power

What is the first dimension of power?

Decision making: Power is the ability of individuals or groups to influence decisions when there is an observable conflict of interests; pluralists like Dahl see power as dispersed among competing groups.

Power is mainly studied through individuals and groups making decisions, rather than broader structures

What is the second dimension of power?

Agenda setting: Power involves preventing certain issues or demands from being discussed or reaching the political agenda, even when people might challenge those in power.

It includes both individuals using their influence and structural barriers, such as institutions and rules that favour certain interests.

What is the third dimension of power?

Shaping interests: Power operates when people's beliefs, desires, and perceptions are shaped so they may accept arrangements that work against their interests, preventing conflict from emerging at all.

This emphasizes structural power—such as social norms, institutions, and systems of belief—not just individuals deliberately exercising power

How does Foucault argue power can be identified

It can be identified by what is does instead of what is

Power is everywhere and structural

How are Foucault and Durkheim related?

Foucault agrees that society shapes us in ever way and that it is ultimately coercive to the individual.

Saw norms, rules, and institutions as removing freedom, a hidden and horrible form of power. He however took the very critical view to Durkheim's approach. Noted that power, domination and violence commonly underlie consensus

How does Foucault say power evolved historically?

What two things became hidden bases of power?

Originally the exercise of power was clear and overt (1st and 2nd dimension of power)

Overtime religion/ideology promoted power that controlled people by shaping their norms/beliefs/view

Believes hidden power became dominant with "modernity

Science and bureaucracy became hidden bases of enormous power

Disciplines def?

Effect?

Methods used to shape and control people's behaviour so they learn to follow certain rules and norms

For example, schools use schedules, exams, and supervision to encourage certain behaviours

Effect: Controls individuals

Discourse definition?

The ways of talking and thinking about a subject that determine what can be said, who is considered credible, and what is accepted as true.

For example, the discourse around mental illness influences how society understands and treats it

Foucault: Knowledge and power

Knowledge: There is no objective knowledge—it's all subjective according to Foucault

Systems of knowledge are the bases of power. Experts are always able to present knowledge in ways that benefit some and hurt others

Relationship between discipline, discourse and knowledge?

Power shapes discourse, discourse shapes knowledge, and knowledge helps discipline people

How do Huber, Rueschemeyer, and Stephens say democracies are formed (3)?

1. Regular free and fair elections on the basis of universal suffrage

2. Guarantees of freedom of expression and association

3. Responsibility of the state apparatus to the elected representatives

What Dahl argue democracy requires?

What are the 5 requirements?

What is this definition?

Democracy requires political equality : People need the same ability to influence collective decision-making

1. Effective participation

2. Voting equality

3. Inclusion of all adults

4. Control of the Agenda

5. Enlightened understanding

This definition is ideal. Dahl thinks it's very important to strive for democracy

Dahl's 10 democratic benefits?

1. Avoiding Tyranny

2. Protecting essential rights

3. General Freedom

4. Self-determination

5. Moral autonomy

6. Human development

7. Protecting personal interests

8. Political equality

9. Peace

10. Prosperity

What are four examples of factors that have stratified politics?

1. Class: the working class excluded/underrepresented

2. Race and Ethnicity: Some communities do not have the same rights, severely underrepresented

3. Sexual Orientation: LGBTQ+ face discrimination

4. Gender: the most important in terms of numbers