It is always difficult to come up with a clear definition of culture because its meaning has been evolving with time. Many intellectual disciplines continue to use the term culture in the majority of their concepts and, in the process generating a special interest in the term. It is also impossible to talk about power without mentioning culture because they complement each other. Culture and power complement each other, and it is therefore very important to understand how the two terms are related to each other. The concept of culture is somehow complex because it includes philosophical, historical, and political schools of thought. There are quite a number of philosophical and cultural theories and opinions that try to explain the actual meaning of culture and its relationship with power. This paper will try and explain the relationship between power and culture and how they affect social co-existence within a society.
Culture can be defined in simple terms as the way of life of general humanity in a particular period of time. Different groups of people, including organizations, can have a unique way of doing things that makes them different from the rest of the people. Culture is meant to enhance both spiritual and intellectual development among the people affiliated to it (Gohlert, 1991). The idea of portraying culture as a tool for intellectual and spiritual development is modern, and it has broadened the real meaning of culture. Culture has become a vital concept in studying social sciences because societal frameworks can not function effectively without culture. Individual transformation is brought about by a particular set of practices that are also fundamental in facilitating both political and social projects (Gohlert, 1991).
Cultural empowerment is essential in self-transformation, which then leads to political transformation. Political concerns are emancipated through cultural ideologies. There is a strong connection between political projects and individual transformation, which must be carefully examined. The existence of different forms of power makes it necessary for the members of a given society to use culture as a way of articulating the power dynamics of a particular time. Cultural politics have really changed the perspective of political education and in the process resulting in distinct fields of culture. Power leads to a difference in social relationships where a particular group tries to have dominion over the rest of the people, and therefore the power relationships are destroyed through oppression and alienation (Cimdina, 2006).
Cultural significations are essential in defining the power relationships within a given society. The relational determination in a particular society is a product of the role and function of power in a designated society. Initially, culture was only perceived as a function of power, but the contradictions in the actual definition of power have made sociology scholars define culture as a differential of power. The mutual relationship between culture and power plays a very vital role in cultural productivity. What makes culture different from social order is the fact that culture is a symbol of social totality, whereas social order is specifically concerned with the hierarchy and structure of society.
The concept of culture is very significant in the modern definition of power and social order (Cimdina, 2006). Institutions have unique constraints and frameworks that are normally referred to as organizational culture, which are developed for relational and political significance. These conditions are both political and historical in nature and enable authorities to govern their subjects. From the traditional sense, culture was seen as a set of morals and codes of conduct that were supposed to be adhered to by all the members of the society. For these codes of conduct to be adhered to, there had to be a government as a symbol of power to regulate and enforce the elements of culture (Cimdina, 2006). This perspective is still being held, but what has changed is its scope that has been expanded to include intellectual activities.
The political community is a symbol of power, and culture is a very important instrument in fostering social-political integration. Very fundamental political principles, such as freedom and democracy, can only become vibrant in an environment where cultural heritage is highly valued. The current cultural differences have been brought about by power, which has led to a completely new national consciousness. The days when kinship was used to define the social structure of a given society are long gone, and political administration is what is now used to define the cultural structure and orientation of a particular society (Swartz, 1997). These changes came with colonialism, which completely dismantled the traditional social set up.
The population of a given society is the one supposed to actualize culture in totality as a way of demonstrating social expression. Culture is being taken for granted in recent times because the ideals that it was used to represent have been eroded by modernity. In modern times, the basic elements of culture, such as culture and codes of conduct are imbedded in constitutions established by governing authorities. The set of laws contained in a constitution are enforced by agents of power such as the police. The constitution represents the cultural aspects of a given society or community which makes culture to be defined in totality without isolating specific elements. Political and historical forms of culture have been integrated and it is therefore very difficult to analyze specific forms of culture.
One of the major preoccupations of people within a society is to gain power whether political or economic. There are to ways of attaining power and this can either be offensive or defensive. The offensive strategy involves doing everything possible in order to be better than others in all aspects. The ultimate objective of this strategy is to ensure that those concerned completely dominate others within the society. The defensive strategy works in a reverse manner where an individual is always on the look out and does everything possible to deal with their opponents who might want to control and manipulate them using the offensive strategy (Swartz, 1997). Those using the defensive strategy have a set of rules that govern their strategy. These rules are later consolidated into principles.
The proponents of the defensive strategy are expected to be well grounded in their cultural knowledge for them to deal with primitive and oppressive offensive strategies. Cultural principles must be applied together with appropriate communication principles in order to attain power using the defensive strategy. A combination of rules, values and principles form the basic elements of religion. Religion plays a major in bringing order and stability within a society. Groups can be formed within the society to deal with offensive rivals but this must not be at the expense of values and principles.
The most important value in a group is loyalty and it is important for every member of a particular group to always propagate the values and principles of the group (Swartz, 1997). It is important to regulate power otherwise it can lead to its abuse by those in authority. Principles and values are very essential attributes used to regulate power in the society. Culture and power are necessary in the process of fostering interpersonal interactions within the society and it is therefore very important to clearly define and regulate the two elements.
From a common definition of power, it is important to note that power includes having influence and control over other people or the society in general. Those with power have the ability to influence decisions and opinions within a particular group depending on their level of authority or influence. Apart from granting influence, there are other perspectives through which power can be defined (Storey, 2010). The meaning of power has been evolving with time with different institutions having the power to perform different roles in the society. Access to both physical and natural resources by an individual is a form of power.
The ability to affect and shape attitudes can also be defined as power. The values and personalities within the society are shaped by those in positions of influence who in the end determine the actions of people. It is impossible for this to happen if the element of power is not available. An individual with power is able to make people act in a way that would have been different in the absence of power. Any social action is governed by cultural values and rules that are enforced by power.
The nature of power differs from one culture to another but the difference is very minimal as a result of globalization and modernization. The nature of power in the society is almost similar in almost all parts of the world and this is a very important point to note when discussing power and culture. Since culture involves the beliefs, values and attitudes of particular society, power complements it by shaping and enforcing its elements (Storey, 2010). A legitimate authority has the power to ensure that the people are empowered through access to opportunities and information technology.
When people become knowledgeable, their attitudes and mental capacities are automatically transformed to enable them lead a better life. There is no need of having culture if people are living in captivity without knowing their rights. It is important for those in authority to ensure that all the members of the society are granted their rights. It is the responsibility of those in power to make decisions that have a positive influence on their subject. The cultural structure of a society or an organization determines whether the society or organization becomes successful or not (Storey, 2010).
It is often difficult for many people to accept responsibility for mistakes committed against cultural values and rules especially in the absence of power. The modern culture is embedded in the constitution which is designed and developed by those in positions of power. There have been complains that those in authority or positions of power alter the constitution to favor them but nothing is being done because that is how the society has become. The days when members of the society had some influence on the laws that govern them are over and the people are forced to rely on those in power for direction in all matters.
Power affects culture in many different ways and one can not deny the fact that the effects are long-term. Power has got both evil and good benefits and it very important to highlight both cases. It is important to understand both the benefits and shortcomings of power so that those who happen to have it can use it in the best way possible for the benefit of the society or group concerned. Power forms the foundation of influence whether in government of business and must therefore be applied in the right way to avoid alienation and oppression (Gohlert, 1991). The culture of an organization is established by those in positions of power and it is them to come up a culture that is good for the society. Cultural development can only be encouraged through proper use and application of power.
The culture of a given society or organization consists of values and believes that are shared for the sake of societal sustenance and development. Responsible and successful leaders will always strive to ensure that there is a cultural continuity if it is of benefit to the society or make some cultural changes that will better the society. Different forms of power are used by leaders to ensure that every member of the society or organization follows rules and values that form the culture of the society. Coercive power is used to ensure that subordinates follow cultural values and norms through punishment. Legitimate power gives a leader the right to influence and control how subordinates behave (Gohlert, 1991). Power can either lead to trust or fear depending on how it is exercised by the leaders concerned.
Every person works hard in order to attain power and this has made power to be used as a parameter of measuring the success of an individual. The amount of power an individual has can affect their behavior in a great way. It is difficult to oppress and take advantage of people with immense personal power because they are very enlightened about their rights. A society or organization that has got a majority of people with personal power will tend to tend to have cultural transformation and development because there will be less manipulation by those in authority.
Power can be manifested in the way a person behaves and communicates (Storey, 2010). Culture can be enhanced if those in authority use power to motivate and instill a sense of self belief into their subordinates. Culture can also be enhanced and developed if those in positions of power use their power for the general good of the society other than for selfish individual benefit. Very important cultural values have been eroded by selfish leaders who use their power for wrong reasons. Cultural identity is very important despite the rapid spread of globalization (Storey, 2010). Leaders have a responsibility of ensuring that all the positive attributes of culture are preserved for the societies concerned.
Culture plays a very important role in helping the people to understand what power means to them. Power is perceived differently from one person to another according to their understanding of culture. The cultural orientation of a particular group of people automatically affects how they interpret power as well as their reaction to those in authority in case of oppression or any negative treatment. It is a common observation that those with intellectual power tend to form some groups with an intention of developing a counter culture.
From the original definition of culture as a shared way of doing things, it is right to say that that the definition still stands even if there might be a power shift or a change in the way things are done. Religion has been regarded as a form of cultural hegemony that has got some elements of domination. Religious doctrines are meant to teach the followers what is right and wrong and it is regarded as a form of power (Swartz, 1997). Since religion has got the power to control individuals, then the perception that culture is actually a source of power is true.
The other important attribute of culture is the fact that it is political. The people’s language and beliefs form their culture and that is what defines their thoughts and morality. It is difficult to have a particular culture adopted in the entire nation because totalitarian nations no longer exist. Both sacred and secular culture generates power that is meant to promote good interpersonal relationships within the society. Modernity has continued to do away with traditional culture and this has led to some negative effects.
Recent technological advancements and globalization have completely destabilized the cultural setup of many societies (Swartz, 1997). The core values and morals that were strongly held before are no longer emphasized by those in authority. A government that values culture will tend to put the interests of its subjects first and therefore little or no oppression will be experienced.
Power and culture are the foundations of a stable society that is just. Since justice is important to any society, cultural values and norms ensure that the people live together in peace and harmony. It is almost impossible to have a just society without stipulated rules and values to guide it. The best way in which power complements culture is by ensuring that all the values and rules that promote justice within the society are strictly followed. In the traditional setup, there used to be less crime and injustice because those in authority strictly enforced and embraced their culture fully.
The modern system is characterized by corruption and revolutionary movements that are counter- culture. Power has been abused now and then with a lot of impunity (Swartz, 1997). Power is defined by material wealth and education and not by the cultural ideals of the society. Despite the latest developments, the relationship between power and culture sill defines and shapes the society. Despite the negative influences of modernity on culture and definition of power, there is one positive thing that is worth noting. Intellectual power gained through education has enabled many people to have an open mind that can adopt some positive culture from other places (Storey, 2010). This has been greatly facilitated by the globalization movement.
In conclusion, power and culture are the foundation of the society. The cultural orientation of the people within a society or group determines their definition of power and how they react towards those in authority. Power complements culture in the sense that it enforces cultural values and norms.
References
Cimdina, A., 2006. Power and culture: hegemony, interaction and dissent. New York, NY: PLUS-Pisa University Press.
Gohlert, E., 1991.Power and Culture: the struggle against poverty in Thailand. New York, NY: White Lotus.
Storey, J., 2010. Power and culture in cultural studies: the politics of signification. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Swartz, D., 1997. Culture & power: the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.