It seems to me that whereas power usually means…
“It seems to me that whereas power usually means power-over, the power of some person or group over some other person or group, it is possible to develop the conception of power-with, a jointly developed power, a co-active, not a coercive power.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power can be shared cooperatively rather than exercised as domination, fostering joint agency and mutual influence.
In simple terms: Power can be shared, not just imposed.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate collaborative power structures.
Themes
leadership
collaboration
authority
agency
cooperation
Mood
optimistic
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team projects
- community organizing
- co‑design processes
- shared governance
Key Concepts
social theory
organizational behavior
collective agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you transform a hierarchical relationship into a partnership?
- What barriers exist to sharing power in your organization?
A Different Perspective
Collaboration may be hindered by entrenched hierarchies.