Chapter 12 Flashcards
What is Power?
an individuals ability to control or influence others to do what they want
power is perception
People can use powerful communication, but if others don’t perceive or accept their power, the behavior is not dominant
Power is a Relational Concept
power exists in relationships
dominance requires submission
Power is Resource Based
power usually represents a struggle over resources
Scarce and valued resources create more intense and protracted power struggles
Persons with Less to Lose Have Greater Power
Dependence power – people who are less committed and dependent on the relationship and the other person are more powerful
One -up messages
dominant and controlling
one-down messages
deferent or accepting
Powerful speech
occurs when speakers focus mainly on themselves, dominate conversation, interrupt others, redirect conversation
Powerless speech
involves use of tag questions and hedges
Nonverbal positions of power
Nonverbal behaviors may be a richer source of power messages than verbal communication
Separation and Individuation
process whereby teenagers distance themselves from their parents and develop and individual identity apart from the family structure
Traditional marriage
based on male dominance and clearly specialized roles
Egalitarian marriage
both partners actively involved in parenting and both share in the responsibilities of the household