Definition: Power base

A property, position, resource, relation of dependency or circumstance on which an actor’s capacity to influence, constrain or direct the thinking, judgement or conduct of other individuals or social circles partly rests.

• Explanation. Possible power bases include property, formal position, knowledge, exper­tise, prestige, rights, numbers, access to resources or relations of dependency. The inter­nal cohesion of a social circle, its degree of organisation, and the capacity of its members to exercise collective control over one another may also function as power bases. The significance of a power base is not the same in every situation, but depends partly on the circle civilisation, institutions, social relations, and the ways in which other individuals or social circles respond to it.