Access Quote by Marilyn Frye
“Differences of power are always manifested in asymmetrical access. The President of the United States has access to almost everybody for almost anything he might want of them, and almost nobody has access to him. The super-rich have access to almost everybody; almost nobody has access to them. ... The creation and manipulation of power is constituted of the manipulation and control of access.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Power and Access” in Feminist Theory, 1990
Power is expressed through who can reach whom; the elite control access while being inaccessible themselves.
In simple terms: Power is about who can get to whom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge unequal access.
Themes
power
inequality
social hierarchy
access control
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
political
When to use this quote
- political lobbying
- wealth disparity
- media influence
Key Concepts
structural domination
elite privilege
Questions to Reflect On
- Who controls the gates in your community?
- How can marginalized groups gain access?
A Different Perspective
Access can be limited by systemic barriers beyond individual control.
