"The question is, however, how can one be certain
in any given situation that the 'unmeasurable
elements' are inconsequential, are not of
decisive importance? Cast in slightly different
terms, can a sound concept of power be predicated
on the assumption that power is totally
embodied and fully reflected in “concrete decisions”
or in activity bearing directly upon
their making?
We think not. Of course power is exercised
when A participates in the making of decisions
that affect B. But power is also exercised when
A devotes his energies to creating or reinforcing
social and political values and institutional
practices that limit the scope of the political
process to public consideration of only those
issues which are comparatively innocuous to A.
To the extent that A succeeds in doing this, B is
prevented, for all practical purposes, from
bringing to the fore any issues that might in
their resolution be seriously detrimental to A’s
set of preferences?" Peter Bachrach, Morton S. Baratz
Power can be exercised in two ways. The first way is directly made decisions. The second way is through eliminating all other negative options so another believes, that they are making their own decisions. While the first way of excising powers seems rather simple, the second way leaves many unanswered questions and curiosity (on my part and the author's) to be answered. Are you really in control of the decisions you make in you own life? Or are you just making the best of the decisions that are options available for you? These question lead to finding out how to place countermeasures encase this may happen. However, can countermeasures be put in place for this type of threat? How can anyone tell the difference between a coincidental situation and deliberation?
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