Who refers to two useful concepts in regard to community power structure namely "power pool" and "power dispersion"?

Correct option is A

T.K. Oommen

T.K. Oommen, a prominent sociologist, introduced the concepts of "power pool" and "power dispersion" in his study of community power structures. These concepts explain the distribution and exercise of power within a community.

• Power pool refers to the idea that power in a community is concentrated in the hands of a few elite or influential groups, forming a 'pool' from which decisions are made. This concentration of power can limit the diversity of decision-making and lead to centralized control within the community.

• Power dispersion refers to the decentralization of power, where authority is spread across different groups or individuals within the community, promoting broader participation in decision-making processes. This distribution leads to more democratic and inclusive decision-making in the community.

T.K. Oommen's analysis of these power structures is central to understanding how power dynamics work within communities, especially in the context of social change and development.

Information Booster

• T.K. Oommen (1936–) is known for his work on social change and community structures, especially in India.
• The concepts of "power pool" and "power dispersion" reflect different political and social structures in communities.
• Power pool is often associated with hierarchical or authoritarian systems.
• Power dispersion is linked with democratic, decentralized, or egalitarian community systems.
• These concepts help in understanding the social fabric and the political dynamics within a community.
• Oommen's work provides insight into how social structures evolve in response to power distribution and its consequences for community development.
• The analysis of power is crucial for policy-making and understanding social mobility and class dynamics.

Additional Knowledge

• (2) M.N. Srinivas – While M.N. Srinivas was a key sociologist in India, known for concepts like Sanskritization and Westernization, he did not focus on the power pool and power dispersion concepts.
• (3) S.C. Dube – A well-known sociologist in India, Dube focused on tribal studies and social structure, but he did not introduce the concepts of power pool and power dispersion.
• (4) Rajni Kothari – Rajni Kothari is known for his work on Indian democracy and political sociology, particularly his contributions to understanding political power in Indian society, but not the concepts of power pool and power dispersion.