Analyze the effect of power, authority, and the lack thereof, within relationships.

Analysis should include

  • describing types of power (e.g., permissive, authoritarian, authoritative, egalitarian)
  • describing empowerment and its importance in relationships
  • citing situations where power is exercised
  • giving examples of positive and negative uses of power and authority.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

  • How can power be both positive and negative?
  • What are the benefits when power and authority are used in positive ways in the family?
  • What are the consequences when they are used in negative ways?
  • How do people form their beliefs and attitudes about power and authority in the family? In the workplace? In the community?
  • What are the implications of the power of love?

Communication

  • How can people communicate power in positive ways?
  • How might it feel to experience power used in positive ways? In negative ways?
  • How do family interactions affect the family system?

Leadership

  • What ethical standards guide the use of power?
  • What strategies could help a person exercise power in positive ways?
  • What patterns of interactions lead to strong, healthy families?

Management

  • Why do expectations for family members need to include both rights and responsibilities?
  • What resources can be used to analyze the implications of power and authority within relationships?
  • What assistance is available to people in relationships where power and authority are abused?