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Power: A Conceptual Framework *
Author(s) -
Luckenbill David F.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
symbolic interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.874
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1533-8665
pISSN - 0195-6086
DOI - 10.1525/si.1979.2.2.97
Subject(s) - symbolic interactionism , database transaction , power (physics) , perspective (graphical) , symbolic power , sociology , interactionism , social psychology , epistemology , psychology , computer science , political science , social science , law , artificial intelligence , physics , quantum mechanics , politics , programming language , philosophy
Symbolic interactionism lacks a coherent conception of power. This paper defines power in a manner consistent with the interactionist perspective. Power is conceptualized as a collective transaction characterized by a division of labor, movement toward a common end, and flexible coordination between opponents. Power is distinguished from other types of collective transactions by asymmetrical interaction, a conflict of interests between opponents, and the intentional production of compliance. Some implications of considering power as a collective transaction are then examined.