How is "power" defined in an anthropological context?

In anthropology, "power" is primarily understood as the capability to influence the distribution of resources within a society. This encompasses not just material resources like wealth and goods but also intangible forms of power, such as social influence, status, and the ability to shape ideologies or cultural norms.

This broader definition allows anthropologists to explore how power dynamics operate across various contexts and cultures, including how authority is maintained, how social hierarchies are established, and how individuals or groups negotiate their positions within social structures. It emphasizes the relational aspect of power, highlighting that it is not merely about holding resources or authority but involves active participation in shaping societal outcomes.

Other definitions, although related, do not capture the full scope of power as effectively. For instance, simply gathering resources or holding a position of authority does not inherently involve the ability to influence how those resources are distributed or utilized within a community. Similarly, while using force in conflicts may result in a temporary exertion of power, it does not represent the underlying mechanisms by which power operates in everyday social interactions and hierarchies. Thus, the definition that frames power as the capability to influence resource distribution is the most comprehensive and relevant in an anthropological context.