Power is one of the most central concepts in the social sciences. However, there is no agreement as to what exactly power is, with some theorists ...
Show synopsis
Power is one of the most central concepts in the social sciences. However, there is no agreement as to what exactly power is, with some theorists/analysts viewing power entirely negatively, as domination, while others insist that power is the basis of autonomy and a means of empowerment. In this volume, it is argued that the concept of power has no single essence, and is best understood as a 'family resemblance' concept, where there are various influential members of the power family. Approaching power from the perspectives of social and political theory, political anthropology, organization studies, gender, political sociology, and international relations, the book examines the most important and influential perspectives on power, and, in doing so, it provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the field. Partly due to the influence of Foucault, power has become a key orienting concept for all the sub-disciplines of political science. Therefore, this book will be an indispensible resource not only for readers specifically interested in the question of power, but also to audiences wishing to understand current trends within the above sub-fields of political science. (Series: The World of Political Science - The Development of the Discipline)
Hide synopsis
