A Tripartite Theory: Power Practices and Embedded Change

Abstract

In previous chapters I have examined three ways in which resistance external to the relationship and renegotiations within the relationship take place: recourse to an alternative legal order, counter-power and non-compliance. Although I did not set out to use these as a diagnostic tool of power (Abu-Lughod, 1990) when I sought to understand why people took recourse to these, it became apparent that different forms of power relation were in play. Earlier in the book I introduced the concept of power conceptualized by the French philosopher Michel Foucault as a micro-force. Micro-power organizes individuals within the state, Santal village and family to act in certain ways that privilege some over others. I found that resisting and renegotiating this organizing force did not only take place through recourse to an alternative legal order – such as the state – but also occurred within the social field where the inequalities took shape. I highlighted the complications of this for individuals trying to improve their situation. In this chapter, I want to explore the links between forms of power and different responses to power’s organizing force in more detail. In particular, I suggest that how individuals respond to domination is not random, but relates closely to the nature of the binding forces prevalent in the power relations.