The First Dimension of Power: Understanding Influence and Decision-Making in Society

first dimension of power

The ability of one person or group to get another person or group to do something it otherwise would not do

The first dimension of power is a concept introduced by sociologist and political scientist Robert Dahl in his book “Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American City.” This dimension of power refers to the fact that power can be exercised by individuals or groups to influence the political agenda and decision-making process in society.

In this dimension of power, the focus is on visible and observable forms of power that are exercised by actors who hold formal or informal positions of authority in society. This includes decision-making bodies such as government institutions, political parties, and interest groups that are able to control the resources necessary to achieve their objectives.

However, the first dimension of power also recognizes that power can be exercised by those who are not in formal positions of authority, such as protesters, social movements, and individuals who use their social and economic status to shape the political landscape.

Overall, the first dimension of power is concerned with who holds formal or informal power in a given society, and how this power is exercised to shape the political agenda and decision-making process.

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