Leaders apply different forms of ruling all over the world. Some of the methods are still in use in the modern form of governance. Cultural structure affects the framing of leadership. Some leaders use their power to dominate every action needed to be taken in line with leadership responsibilities.
The article ‘torture’ has related the old and the modern forms of governance by highlighting the relationship between leaders and their subjects. Some leaders humiliate law offenders and anyone resisting their governance.
Different theories put forward by scholars describe the cultural and leadership aspects in an organization. An example is the hegemony theory referring to modes of governance where leaders dominate every action. The article also highlights power and knowledge, and the way they are perceived by the society.
Hegemony is a good example of theories touching on power and dominance in an independent society. This refers to imperial dominance- where leaders assume total power and ignore the peoples’ opinions. This form of ruling has its roots in the old days where leaders ruled on a geopolitical form through dominating other states.
The method of ruling was magnified in the 19th century where nations started dominating others affecting their internal independence. Scholars have argued that hegemony was the cause of colonialism that was widespread in the world in the 18th century. Powerful kingdoms and nations could take full control of the affairs of less powerful nations and African continent was the major victim of the ruling (King 203).
This causes cultural imperialism which is one of the most common forms of political ruling in the modern world. This is where a leader dictates political action by using his powers as the dominant factor. The article discusses this form of governance by stating that leaders assume total powers and think that they are invincible. Knowledge has a stake at this form of leadership. The educated dominate coming up with policies.
They enact laws that favor their agendas, therefore, dominating those with little knowledge on the issues affecting the nation (Piaget 38). Leaders are able to suppress any rebellion from the subjects by using armed forces. They do their best to remain in power and elevate themselves to top positions.
Structuralism is another theory scholars use to explain the cultural aspects and the way people relate. This requires people to understand their relationship with things around them, and how they think about the nature. This theory is traced back in the early 18th century before civilization took place.
People loved their cultural lives, and this means close relationships and interactions. They had enough time to reflect on the tangible things around them. People thought that they were in touch with nature, so their feelings grew as they interacted with the natural environment. Scientists and scholars have developed this theory and applied it in psychology and anthropology.
Structuralism was applied in linguistics where scholars studied language development. In linguistics, structuralism is used to trace the detailed relationship words and things designated by such words. Changes in words and their meanings have also been explored; enabling scientists to trace the origin of words and their meanings.
The theory has also been used at the study of culture where social anthropology is given much attention in the study. This is the widest part where religion and people’s way of life are explored. This research reliably analyses the ancient and modern way of human life.
Structuralism is applied at the article where it touches on the way of life of the people (Foucault 16). It talks of knowledge and power and how these aspects determine the way of life of the people. From the article, knowledge and power are related. Leaders are assumed to be people with adequate knowledge. They acquire an obligation to run political affairs of the people.
Another theory used to reflect people’s way of life and relationships between different races is orientalism. The term refers to the way Arab nations are stereotyped to have exaggerated views. Western nations imagine and perceive Arab nations as common threats to world peace.
The theory also explores the relationship between power and knowledge in the society. It states that “knowledge dictates power”; this is witnessed in situations where knowledgeable people become powerful leaders. There is a great relationship between the educated and those in power (Chomsky 38).
Scholars have come up with theories to explain the general structure of society. These theories show the internal organization and people’s way of life. Relationships between cultures are also explained because one culture may affect the affairs of another.
Leadership is also explored where knowledge is seen as the basis of getting into leadership. Some leaders use their powers to dominate and humiliate their subjects. Knowledgeable people in the society are given a chance to take leadership positions. They are able to achieve this because of their ability to outwit the rest of the society. Their knowledge is an advantage in their quest for power.
Works Cited
Chomsky, Noam. Hegemony or survival: America’s quest for global dominance. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2003. Print.
Foucault, Michael. Discipline and punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York: Vintage Books, 2006. Print
King, Richard. Orientalism and religion postcolonial theory, India and ‘the mystic East’. London: Routledge, 1999. Print.
Piaget, Jean. Structuralism. London: Routledge, 2000. Print.