What is power in political science?

 

Power is the social production of an effect that determines the capacities, actions, beliefs, or conduct of actors.Power does not exclusively refer to the threat or use of force (coercion) by one actor against another, but may also be exerted through diffuse means (such as institutions).^[1][2] Power may also take structural forms, as it orders actors in relation to one another (such as distinguishing between a master and a slave), and discursive forms, as categories and language may lend legitimacy to some behaviors and groups over others.

The term authority is often used for power that is perceived as legitimate or socially approved by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust; however, power can also be seen as good and as something inherited or given for exercising humanistic objectives that will help, move, and empower others as well.

Scholars have distinguished between soft power and hard power.

In social science and politics, power is the social production of an effect that determines the capacities, actions, beliefs, or conduct of actors.Power is the capacity of a person to influence others and alter their actions, beliefs, and behaviors. However, it's important to note that there is a difference between power vs. influence. Authority is the legitimate power that a person or group is granted to practice over others within an organization.