ASTK12262U Social theories of power in the globalization age

The concept of power is central to any understanding of society, and even more ubiquitous in complex modern societies. Complex modern societies, as a result of its long historical construction, are characterized by a multi-dimensional nature of power. Despite its importance, power is still one of the most difficult concepts within the social sciences. While in everyday speech power tends to be associated with dominance or coercion, in the social sciences there is a high diversity and multiplicity in the conceptualization of power. This course aims to make sense out of these different understandings of power. It will also make the concept applicable and operative, and will be applied to the analysis of contemporary phenomena of globalization. That is, how can the different theories, conceptualizations and dimensions of power be applied to current transnational and globalizing dynamics?.

The course is structured in three parts with its sub-units. In part I the main theoretical questions and debates are presented and discussed. In part II the four main dimensions or sources of power in modern society are introduced and discussed, through some key authors and their respective perspectives. In part III the different conceptualizations and dimensions of power of Part I and II are applied to analyze current phenomena of globalization. We will follow up and develop Beck’s (2006) attempt to analyze power in the global age. We will focus on the following four domains: a) states and inter-national relations; b) economy, capital and business; c) societies, civil society and social classes; and d) social and political sciences and professions. In this part III groups of students will be made; these groups, based on the specific readings, will discuss and debate how power is and works in the four globalization domains. These discussions should inform the content of the synopsis for oral examination.

Structure of the course:

1. Introduction. Course overview.

Part I. Main questions and debates in the theories of power.

2. Power “over” and power “to”.

3. Elites vs. pluralist polyarchies.

4. Conflictual or/and consensual

5. Related concepts: dominance, hegemony, authority, legitimacy, influence.

Part II. Four main dimensions or sources of power in modern society, and key authors

6. Political or state-related power: Weber, Bachrarch and Baratz, Dahl, Mann, etc.

7. Cultural, cognitive or ideological: Foucault, Clegg, etc.

8. Economic-material interests and conflicts: Marx, Lukes, etc.

9. Social structure and interaction: Parsons, Giddens, Bourdieu, Barnes, Haugaard, etc.

Part III. Power in the age of globalization. Focus on four globalization domains.

10. States: nation-states, international relations and the challenge of a global polity

11. Economy: capital, multi-national corporations and local economies and small business.

12. Societies: social classes/groups and civil societies and the challenge of global common interests and norms.

13. Social Sciences: national social/political sciences, professions and the challenge of the “cosmopolitan outlook”.

14. Conclusion and summing-up.
 

Competences

This course will provide students with a thorough knowledge on a key issue and concept in social theory and social sciences, which can be applied in many other topics, courses and themes. Likewise it will enhance students’ skills to understand political or state-related activities and phenomena within a broader perspective through the analysis of power in our complex modern societies.