Power Quote by Catharine MacKinnon
““Division may be rational or irrational. Dominance either seems or is justified. Difference is.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Gender and the Law”, 1993
Power structures are defined by rational or irrational divisions, justified dominance, and inherent differences.
In simple terms: Power arises from how we label and justify differences.
Key Takeaway
Question the basis of dominance and division.
Themes
power
gender
philosophy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- legal analysis
- social critique
- organizational hierarchy
Key Concepts
rationality
dominance
difference
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie claims of dominance?
- Can differences be reconciled without hierarchy?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on division can ignore common humanity.
