2025 Y6 GP Power (Part 1) Notes

2025 Y6 GP: Power (Part 1) Why consider Power, What is Power, Origins/Sources of power, Who wields Power (Stakeholders), Manifestations/Examples of Power Essential Questions (EQs) in the Theme of Power Essential questions are open-ended, thought-provoking questions that help to foster deeper questioning about a subject/theme. These questions often prompt you to think deeper about the central tensions in the subject/theme, as well as investigate the relationships between concepts , and analysis of changes , if any, across time and societies . In answering these questions, we deepen our understanding of the concept(s) involved, which would enable us to see and appreciate the connections across topics – e.g. How are the central ideas/tensions in the theme of Power observed across different topics such as International Relations, Politics and Governance, the Media, Science and Technology, Religion etc.? Think about the following EQs as you delve into Part 1 of the lecture series on Power. Jot down your ideas, connections with case studies/examples of power at work, and questions about the theme as you learn. Organisation of Notes – Part 1’s Lecture on Power will explore the following EQs: 1. Why study the theme of power? 2. Definition: What is power? 3. Origins/Sources of power: Where does power come from? Who/what accords/bestows power? 4. Stakeholders : Who has power? In what aspects? 5. Manifestations/Examples of Power : How is power seen/used around us? What are the different ways in which power plays out in individuals’ lives, in society and in the world around us? 1. Why study the theme of Power? A) “GP is Life” → Ubiquity of Power in our lives: ● ‘I need a power nap now!’ - Power is a need intrinsic to humans ● ‘The Power of Love’ (song title, theme in books) - Power can exert its influence through emotions that motivate actions → for good or bad, depending on the extremity of the emotion and purpose ● ‘By the power invested in me’ (solemnising marriage) - Power can be enshrined in our enactment of rituals and ceremonies ● ‘The power of attorney’ - Power can be summoned through legal rights and processes ● ‘The powers that be’ - Power is felt by the individual as an invisible hand that governs all aspects of our lives , and can inspire fear / conformity . ● ‘Hard power ’ - A concept: What does this mean? ● ‘Soft power ’ - A concept: What does this mean? ● ‘ Power struggle’ - Conflicts often arise from / involve some form of ‘power struggle’, when there is an imbalance of power 1

B) Practical application in GP → Past year A Level questions that examine the theme of power across topics: ★ Analyse the questions below: What do you notice about how these essay questions invite us to analyse the issue through using power as a thematic lens? A Level Essay Question How Power can be used as a lens to unpack and approach the question 1. Assess the extent to which all people in your society have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. (2023) 2. ‘ Young people want to change the world because they do not know it is impossible .’ How far do you agree? (2023) 3. To that extent can individuals shape their own lives when the world is so unpredictable ? (2022) 4. Assess the impact of foreign films or foreign TV programmes on the culture of your society. (2009) 5. Does the presence of a foreign power ever help a country with problems ? (2008) 6. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword .’ Can written language really be so powerful ? (2007) 7. ‘ Advertisements are often entertaining, but they rarely affect consumer choice .’ Is this your experience? (2007) 8. Have multinational businesses had a positive or negative impact on your society? (2004) 9. ‘ Statistics measure everything but prove nothing .’ Discuss. (2003) 10. ‘In today’s world, power is determined by economic success , not military might .’ (1997) We are asked to consider the extent to which X is really able to / can effect / influence an action / outcome. The issue in the question centres on whether something has power in reality (considering a specific condition or constraints), or in today’s context (considering modern developments / shifts). 1. ‘ Power these days lies more with the people than the politicians .’ To what extent is this true? (2021) 2. Is modern technology a benefit or threat to democracy ? (2020) 3. Consider the view that social media has more influence than politicians . (2019) 4. Do events , rather than politicians , shape the future? (2017) 5. How far should religion influence political decisions ? (2009) We are asked to consider the relationships between stakeholders who wield power. The issue in the question centres on examining the balance of power between various stakeholders - we are asked to compare the relative power / influence of two entities to decide which is more influential and why. Sometimes the question invites us to debate about whether this balance of power is justifiable (desirable and/or moral). 2

6. ‘The more science advances , the more religion will decline .’ To what extent do you agree? (2008) 7. ‘ People , not the government , should decide how to organise their lives.’ Is this a fair comment? (2004) 1. Evaluate the claim that sports personalities make good role models for young people . (2023) 2. How far should firms be allowed to limit their workers’ rights when profits are at stake ? (2014) 3. ‘The most influential individuals in history are those who have caused the most harm .’ How far would you accept this view? (2012) 4. As long as people in the public eye do their job well, does it matter what they do in private ? (2009) 5. How far should a state have a right to monitor the actions of people within its borders ? (2007) 6. To what extent should the State involve itself in the world of business ? (2005) 7. ‘ Advertising encourages a desire for products which people do not actually need .’ Discuss. (2004) 8. Should the police have unlimited powers when dealing with crime ? (2002) We are asked to examine power alongside issues of ethics, control and responsibility (the thematic lens of Control and Responsibility will be covered in subsequent lectures). 2. A) Definition: What is Power? Food for thought: ● How much power do you think you have, as an individual and young person in your society , and in the world today ? ● What makes you say so? ● What factors might you have considered in deciding whether, and to what extent, you are empowered? To me, having power means… 3 Power can most simply be understood as one’s ability to exert control or influence over other people and the events that take place around them. ● For individua