The effect that an actor’s conduct or the presence of that actor’s power has on the thinking, judgement or conduct of an individual or social circle.
- Explanation. Influence is the realised effect of power and must be distinguished from it analytically. Power may exist without influence being exerted at a particular moment; influence may result from a concrete exercise of power, but also when individuals or social circles anticipate the power available to an actor.
Occurs in Propositions
- Proposition 035 – Support base as power base
- Proposition 041 – Planned and unplanned institutionalisation
- Proposition 046 – Conditions of sanctioning influence
- Proposition 049 – Circle civilisation and individual conduct
- Proposition 050 – Tension from conflicting civilisations
- Proposition 058 – Reciprocal social influence
- Proposition 071 – Mechanism of purposive social change
Last updated: 3 October 2026