The complex interplay of power in visual culture really stems from one distinction: being empowered or being powerless. Power play in visual culture can be divided into three subcategories: Domination, Consensual, and Transformative.
The first type of power, domination power, stems from one person or group of people, or even thing, holding power OVER another person, group of people, or thing. This type of power implies that there is a distinction that must be made between the powerful and the powerless, one being superior to the other. For example, types of domination power that affect me are things like the hierarchy of hiring systems, the coercive power of governments and schools and even family threatening negative actions if I refuse to follow rules or laws, and a sense of obligation for having my schooling paid for.
The second type of power, consensual power, is an agreed upon division of power based on traditional societal beliefs. This type of power is evident in my life in my agreement to pay money to Penn State for a "legitimate" and recognized degree, my division of tasks and role responsibility in my relationship, and my trust in the elected officials to represent my needs in all levels of governmental processes.
Transformative power is power that ignites a societal change through the teamwork of individuals working together with a common goal. Though I can't currently think of how this directly affects my life right now, I know that it's all about getting inspired and inspiring others. This kind of power is shared among the group and takes a lot of creative thinking and problem solving to bring change to fruition.
The first type of power, domination power, stems from one person or group of people, or even thing, holding power OVER another person, group of people, or thing. This type of power implies that there is a distinction that must be made between the powerful and the powerless, one being superior to the other. For example, types of domination power that affect me are things like the hierarchy of hiring systems, the coercive power of governments and schools and even family threatening negative actions if I refuse to follow rules or laws, and a sense of obligation for having my schooling paid for.
The second type of power, consensual power, is an agreed upon division of power based on traditional societal beliefs. This type of power is evident in my life in my agreement to pay money to Penn State for a "legitimate" and recognized degree, my division of tasks and role responsibility in my relationship, and my trust in the elected officials to represent my needs in all levels of governmental processes.
Transformative power is power that ignites a societal change through the teamwork of individuals working together with a common goal. Though I can't currently think of how this directly affects my life right now, I know that it's all about getting inspired and inspiring others. This kind of power is shared among the group and takes a lot of creative thinking and problem solving to bring change to fruition.