SYMBOLIC POWER
Charles François (2004). SYMBOLIC POWER, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3288.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3288 ▶ |
| Object type | Human sciences |
A psychologic pressure excerted by a dominant individual through some visible manifestation of his/her power.
This concept was developped by the French sociologist Pierre BOURDIEU (1930-2002).
In this way, displays of material wealth, acquired academic ranking, military uniform, etc… are used to impress other people in order to inspire them respect, obedience, etc.
Symbolic power seems to have roots in animal territorial or ranking displays and has probably also sexual connotations .