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The concepts of Power, Authority and Legitimacy all remain highly relevant in the 21st century. Discuss with reference to the ideas of Steven Lukes and Max Weber. (20) 

Power can be defined as a relationship; the ability to influence the behaviour of others. Steven Lukes is a 21-century political theorist with the idea that power has three faces/dimensions; “open face”, “secretive face” and “manipulative desires”.  Authority can be defined as legitimate power, authority operates through the right to do so. Weber was a 19-century german socialist that developed the idea of there being three types of authority; traditional, charismatic and rational-legal. In this essay, I will show that Weber and Lukes both have legitimate opinions on Power and authority. 

The first face of power Lukes speaks about is Decision Making. This is the “open face” of power that is clearly seen to be used; the ability to affect the content of public policy. Usually, we can identify where the power lies and that it is exercised in accordance with the will of the people. This form of power can be illustrated through the formation of laws. When governments propose bills to be debated in the houses of parliament they are discussed by various sources such as; the media, pressure groups and various MPs. This is significant because it reveals that there is no secrecy within the process as the decision is transparent and open to amendments and discussion. This example is important as it collaborates with Lukes theories that they are logical and evident in our own political systems modern-day work. Through, for example, televised parliamentary debates we can see this type of power coming into action. 

The second face of power Lukes speaks about is Agenda Setting or Non-Decision Making. This is the “secretive face” of power that is exercised behind closed doors. Lukes suggests that an important source of power is to set the political agenda. This is being able to decide what will or won’t be discussed. Power is as much about limiting choices as well as making them. We can view this form of power through Scotland’s fight for Devolution. Under the Conservative government of 1979-1997, the topic was never allowed to be discussed in parliament as it was never on their political agenda. This changed however when Labour was elected into power in May 1997 as their manifesto included the option of a Devotion referendum. This appealed to many Scots and a referendum was held. As a result of this, we have been shown that this theory is, in fact, valid as again there are modern examples backing up Lukes claim. Everyone has different opinions, governments and parties choose to make, or not to make decisions based on their beliefs and interests. This type of decision making is not really denying choice but controlling the choices that people have which advances power. 

The third, and arguably most important, face of power Lukes speaks about is manipulating desires or thought control. This is explaining that power can go even further and be exercised by manipulation. This is the ability to influence popular beliefs and ideas and persuade us that decisions are being made in our best interests. To view this we can look at an example of Feminism. Feminists argue that women were persuaded that being a housewife and mother is the best way to support society. However, they argue that when women do this, they are just being exploited by men into doing their bidding. This idea of functionalism was pushed onto the women and they were made to feel they had to do this as it was the social norm of the time. From the above Lukes has drawn his theories from modern examples. The remnants of which or indeed active examples we see being exercised in our society today. 

The first form of authority Weber speaks about is traditional authority. This is the reliance of the population following customs and traditions from the past. We are brought up learning from our surroundings and following social norms of society. An example of this could be the celebration of Christmas. People just follow on with traditions because its all they’ve known. Nobody will ever question why they are getting a few days holiday. A further example could be the introduction of a new monarch. They demand the same respect and obedience that the last monarch had. We don’t question it, they have authority and power and we have to obey. Weber shows us that this form of authority is puzzling as people don’t usually know why they follow it, it’s just how they’ve been brought up and its normality; learnt behaviour to accept and follow.  

The second form of authority Weber speaks about is charismatic authority. This depends on the special qualities of a leader. People ate drawn to follow the leader due to the desirable qualities that they possess. This type of authority may die within the leader or live on in their group. An example of this could be a political party leader dying and their beliefs and ethos living on in those who follow. This can be seen through the former President of the United States, Donald Trump. He had snappy slogans, the signature look and strong opinions on all topics. Whether his opinions were good or bad, people instantly recognised him and followed him as they knew he would make a change/statement. Although he didn’t die, his political reign did. This form of authority shows that the public perception of people can be extremely valuable. Donald Trump gained the people’s support as he gave the idea of drastic change. The people put him into power giving him the authority to do as he pleased. 

The third form of authority Weber discusses is rational-legal authority. This depends on a formal set of rules which gives those the right to direct, command others and make decisions on their behalf. It had a moral dimension that people have freely handed over their right to decision making to those representing them. An example of this can be seen while looking at the British democratic system. The public vote in who they want representing them in important matters. The Scottish people vote in MPs/MSPs/Cllrs who represent their views and beliefs and who they feel is best to represent them. Our leader Nicola Sturgeon has the right to command and direct as she has been voted in and elected by the Scottish people. This form of authority is also puzzling, why are we giving away our right to vote on certain policies and bills? This means we need to ensure our politicians are genuinely doing it for the benefit of the people and their best interests because apart from elections, we have slim control over decision making. 

Overall, Weber and Lukes make very compelling and logical arguments to their theories on power and authority. Weber’s theories on authority show the three stages which we can identify examples from the 21 century. Traditional authority shows us how we are born into accepting things through our upbringing. Charismatic authority shows us that the qualities and persona of people can be a direct link to gaining public interest and an unofficial authority. Regional-legal authority shows us that people are voted into power legally by the people by who can best represent their people. Lukes theories on power show the three faces of power which we can identify further examples from the 21 century. Decision making shows us the democratic system that we have at the moment and how the elected government are there to represent the people. Agenda setting shows us that while politicians are there to represent the people, they have their own political motives from which they don’t hide. Manipulation shows us that political motives won’t always be for the best of the people, peoples minds can be manipulated into thinking a certain situation works in favour of them but in fact, it is the opposite. Weber and Lukes both have compelling and legitimate statements regarding power and authority which have numerous examples linking to them.