Relations of Domination and Movements for Liberation: An Analysis of Power between Groups (Abridged)

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with analyzing asymmetric power relations between groups. Thus, it will deal with two linked intergroup phenomena, domination and subordination.1 It will discuss how power processes create, maintain and perpetuate those intergroup relations that involve domination and subordination. Unquestionably, social psychologists have long been challenged by these phenomena, for under the general heading of ‘intergroup relations’ they have studied the more specific problem areas of ethnic, race or minority-group relations – often, in practice, interchanging these terms (Harding et al., 1969). Their intense preoccupation with these topics, as shown by their social action and research activities, can be well understood if we consider how social psychology’s subject matter is linked to society – and its ills. In particular, 20th-century, melting-pot American society presented a wealth of social problems – involving racial, ethnic and other groups – all revolving about questions of domination. Most of the research done on intergroup relations, however, has ignored the systematic analysis of the aetiology and functioning of the domination processes; rather, it has focused on the effects of these phenomena (for example, the effects of