Power and Politics: The Psychology of Gender

Abstract

Power, often seen as a tool for control, extends beyond individuals to encompass decisions and resources. Various groups hold varying degrees of power in society, employing tactics to gain and expand it. Politics is essentially the use of power to achieve goals, often stemming from conflicts between personal and organizational objectives. This occurs in situations marked by autocratic decision-making, unclear authority, resource scarcity, and uncertainty, when organizational politics contradict employees’ interests, trust erodes, prioritizing individual concerns over collective goals. Constructive politics, however, empower and differentiate between ethical and unethical behavior. Gender, a socially constructed variable, is influenced by psychology and sociology literature, affecting power dynamics. This paper explores the interplay of power and politics in society, striving for a more equitable and progressive outcome while addressing their contribution to gender inequality. Globalization and economic restructuring impose changes, fostering discrimination and preferential treatment. We examine policy implementations in food, agriculture, health, and education, finding that despite significant changes, they often fail to benefit disadvantaged populations.