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`OBJECTIVE' INTERESTS AND THE SOCIOLOGY OF POWER.
- Source :
-
Sociology . May81, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p161-184. 24p. - Publication Year :
- 1981
-
Abstract
- In the first section of this paper 1 note a parallel between certain problems generated by Steven Lukes's `three-dimensional' view of power, and what I call the `paradox of emancipation' in certain traditions of Marxist thought. Lukes's critique of what he calls the one and two-dimensional views of power is next reviewed, and Lukes's own `three-dimensional' view subjected to analysis and criticism. Lukes's definition of power in terms of interests is identified as a major source of difficulty, and three distinct ways of constructing a distinction between `real' interests and subjective' interests, or preferences are identified in Lukes's work. In the fourth section of the paper I present an alternative conception, or `view' of power which, I argue, sustains the essential features of Lukes's critique of the one- and two-dimensional views, but which, by severing the definitional tie between power and interests, avoids the value dependence of Lukes's own view of power. Finally, I make explicit a view of interests which runs counter to that which, I hold, Lukes, Connolly, a at have in common with more orthodox political scientists. I go on to indicate the place of this concept in the formation and re-formation of personal and social identities, and briefly indicate its bearing on what I earlier called the paradox of emancipation'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00380385
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Sociology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14955770
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/003803858101500202