State, Society and Public Policy — Key Power Concepts (Dahl and Alternatives)

Vocabulary flashcards covering Dahl's theory of power, its criticisms, and alternative views, with examples illustrating how power operates in politics and policy.

Dahl's Definition of Power

A has power over B to the extent that A can get B to do something that B would not otherwise do; power is relational and observable in outcomes.

Relational Power

Power exists only in interactions between actors, not in isolation.

Influence vs. Coercion

Power involves influence beyond coercion; it operates through shaping others' actions and choices.

Observable Behavior

Power can be studied by looking at observable outcomes in decision-making and actions.

Measuring Power

A systematic approach focusing on observable behavior, who prevails in decisions, and changes in actions under different influences.

Decision-Making Approach

Power is exercised through decisions; those who frequently succeed in decision-making are more powerful.

Persuasion

A method of power through convincing others to accept a position.

Incentives

Rewards offered to secure compliance and influence behavior.

Sanctions

Penalties or punishments used to enforce compliance.

Agenda-Setting

The ability to determine which issues are considered for debate, effectively controlling the agenda.

Non-Decision-Making Power

The power to prevent certain issues from entering public debate or policy consideration.

One-Dimensional Power

Power observed primarily in overt, visible conflicts and decisions.

Two-Dimensional Power

Power that includes both overt decision-making and the ability to prevent issues from being considered (agenda-setting).

Three-Dimensional Power (Lukes)

Power can shape people’s preferences and social norms, not just decisions.

Bachrach & Baratz - Two Faces of Power

Power includes agenda-setting and non-decision-making in addition to decision-making power.

Corporate Lobbying in Environmental Policy

Large corporations use lobbying and contributions to prevent certain environmental regulations from reaching debate.

Media Control of News Topics

Media ownership or influence can determine which topics are covered and discussed.

Women's Suffrage Movement Example

Demonstrates how rights issues were dismissed as not political, delaying inclusion.

Civil Rights Movement (Pre-1950s)

Racial discrimination issues were suppressed by legal barriers and social norms before momentum built.

Gig Economy Workers’ Rights

Rights lacking because concerns are systematically excluded from major policy discussions through corporate influence.

Latent Conflicts

Conflicts that exist but are not visible in public debate due to suppression or non-recognition.

Implications for Political Analysis

Scholars must look beyond visible conflicts to understand hidden mechanisms of power.

Challenges in Measuring Hidden Power

Difficulties in detecting power that operates by making conflicts invisible.

Limitations of Dahl’s View

Too narrow; ignores agenda-setting, structural power, and long-term inequalities.

Healthcare Reform Example

Certain reform models are rarely discussed due to lobbying by powerful interests.