Afterword

At the outset of this book, we noted the confused and contested definitions of power and authority, the overlaps, conflations and contradictions. In this final chapter, I draw together some of the insights gleaned from compiling and reflecting on our experiences in education. My aim is not to attempt a definitive statement about power and authority in education but to document some thoughts that may provoke discussion and further research into this area. And, in doing so, I also hope to illuminate aspects of power and authority to enable the reader to identify the features of both and, where possible, use these insights in their own interactions with individuals and groups.