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39 Soc. F. 53 (1960-1961)
A Power Analysis of Racial Discrimination

handle is hein.journals/josf39 and id is 69 raw text is: POWER ANALYSIS OF DISCRIMINATION A POWER ANALYSIS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION* H. M. BLALOCK, JR. University of Michigan ABSTRACT Power is assumed to be a multiplicative function of total resources and the degree to which resources are mobilized. A mathematical model is used to predict the relationship between mobilization of re- sources and percentage Negro under power equilibrium, and the implications of the resulting threat curve are discussed. THERE can be no doubting the fact that racial discrimination is ultimately based on power relationships between a domi- nant and subordinate group. A number of scholars have explicitly emphasized the need for analysing race relations in terms of a power frame of ref- erence.' Ideally, such a framework should be suffi- ciently broad to include a consideration of the motives of prejudiced personalities as well as some of the more obvious factors such as economic competition and the exercise of naked force. The purpose of the present paper is to outline certain elements of such a theory of power and to apply this theory to the problem of racial discrimination. A more detailed discussion of the theory itself, as well as its relationships to other theoretical analy- ses of power, will be developed elsewhere. It is not necessary here to become involved with the difficult problem of developing a satisfactory formal definition of social power. For the purposes of this paper, we can take Hunter's definition which is as follows: Power is a word that will be used to describe the acts of men going about the business of moving other men to act in relation to themselves or in relation to organic or inorganic things.'2 Power is thus given a direct behavioral reference, rather than being defined in terms of a potential or ability to influence behavior. A defini- tion of power in terms of actual behavior is con- gruent with usage in physics where power refers to work accomplished per unit of time. * This research was conducted while the writer was supported by a Social Science Research Council Post- doctoral Research Training Fellowship. I For example, see R. A. Schermerhorn, Power as a Primary Concept in the Study of Minorities, Social Forces, 35 (October 1956), pp. 53-56. 2 F. Hunter, Community Power Structure (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1954), pp. 2-3. POWER AND MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES We may take as our theoretical starting point Bierstedt's excellent analysis of social power.8 Bierstedt identifies three sources of power: num- bers, resources, and social organization. Under the heading of resources he includes money, prestige, property, and natural and supernatural resources together with factors such as knowledge, compe- tence, deceit, fraud, and secrecy. Notice that the latter set of factors seem to refer more directly to behavior than do concepts such as money or property. In one sense, they seem to belong to the same category as organization, and yet they are distinct from organization. Unless the heading of resources is taken as a residual category, there also appear to be certain additional sources of power omitted from Bierstedt's classification scheme. For example, where would we place those norms and values which legitimize or authorize the appli- cation of sanctions under specific circumstances? The writer finds it convenient to alter Bierstedt's classification system somewhat, while at the same time broadening it to include additional variables. Specifically, we shall assume that power is a multi- plicative function of two very general types of variables, total resources and the degree to which these resources are mobilized in the services of those persons or groups exercising the power. Total Resources. By resource we mean the actual source of power or those properties of the individual or group which provide the power potential or ability to exercise power. We are using the con- cept in the same sense as does Bierstedt who emphasizes that resources themselves do not give rise to power unless they are utilized. Under the heading of resources we list factors such as money, 8 R. Bierstedt, An Analysis of Social Power, American Sociological Review, 15 (December 1950), pp. 730-738.

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