Politics and Power: We are part of the equation

Politics and power are ubiquitous in our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. From the
choices we make as consumers to the policies that shape our communities, politics and power
play a significant role in shaping the world around us. In this reflection paper, I will explore the
ways in which politics and power impact our everyday lives and how we can navigate and
engage with them.

Politics is something that has always been very integral to my family. Without disclosing
too many details, I’ll just say that my parents are very involved in the world of politics. And as
their child, politics is something that has been happening and affecting me ever since I was born.
That was why when Kerkvliet’s “Everyday Politics in the Philippines” was discussed in class, I
could very much relate to his notion that politics cannot be separated from our everyday lives.

Politics consists of the debates, conflicts, decisions, and cooperation among individuals,
groups, and organizations regarding the control, allocation, and use of resources and the values
and ideas underlying those activities (Kerkvliet, 2013). I agree with this definition by Kerkvliet
because it breaks down the traditional concept of politics that, as he defined, is something that
limits politics to certain behavior that directly relates to the governance of a society. I can relate
to this because of my specific circumstances, politics has wormed its way into my personal life.
To me, politics is something that is always there so the fact that Kerkvliet also defines politics as
something that occurs in our daily lives makes way too much sense. Because at its core, politics
can be simplified into a conversation. A communication of ideas between two or more people.
What makes it different from normal communication is that one side or party has to come out on
top. It is a constant push and pull between conflicting morals ambitions that lie in an unstable
balance. It’s not as simple as a game of tug of war where you pull as hard as you can, while the
other side pulls back just as hard. Sometimes, you have to let yourself be pulled in while waiting
for the perfect opportunity to take action and start gaining momentum to pull back. It’s not
always about YOUR power, because politics is as Kerkvliet put it, politics is the dynamics
between all parties involved, deciding what to do with resources (whatever those resources may
be).

This is where (I believe) the different kinds of power come into play. Power is the
production, in and through social relations, of effects that shape the capacities of actors to
determine their own circumstances and fate. There are 4 kinds of power. Compulsory,
Institutional, Structural, and Productive (Barnett et al., 2004). And I believe, politics is composed
of the complicated dynamics of these different kinds of powers at play. Power dynamics are
present in all aspects of society, and understanding the different types of power is crucial for
identifying and addressing inequalities.
 One of the most apparent ways in which politics and power impact our daily lives is
through the decisions made by our elected officials. Laws and policies created by our
governments can have a profound impact on everything from our healthcare to our education to
our environment. This is an example of the institutional power that our government leaders hold
as leaders of our nation. My understanding of this kind of power is that it refers to the power
dynamics within formal organizations such as government bodies, corporations, or educational
institutions. Individuals within these organizations hold power due to their position, such as
CEOs or government officials. These power dynamics are often reinforced by formal rules and
procedures, which can further entrench existing power structures.

Next, I want to talk about compulsory power, and this is very personal for me. I am very
familiar with this form of power because as someone whose family is very politically inclined, I
have felt the effects of this form of power firsthand. Compulsory power is the most explicit form
of power, where one individual or group uses force or coercion to exert their will over another.
Examples of compulsory power include physical violence, threats, or punishment for
noncompliance. It’s not hard to imagine that compulsory power is often exercised and in some
(most) cases, abused. Compulsory power can be exerted in various situations. This could include
the use of military force or the imposition of laws and regulations that restrict individual
freedoms. A prime example of this is something that every Filipino will know. Of course, I am
talking about the implementation of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos. I won’t
go too deep into talking about this because I will get too immersed and this is not the primary
focus of this reflection paper. Another could be a hired criminal holding a gun to someone's head
and demanding money or specific actions, and on the opposite end, if someone is arrested and
charged with a crime, they are legally required to comply with the court's orders, or they will
face additional legal consequences

But I believe that I am straying away from Kerkvliet's point that politics occurs in
EVERYBODY’s lives. Beyond the realm of government, politics and power are also present in
our interactions with others. Let’s talk about productive power. Productive power refers to the
ability to influence the behavior of others through persuasion, cooperation, and consensus-
building. It involves creating a shared understanding of goals and objectives and working
collaboratively to achieve them. Productive power is often used in our everyday lives in a variety
of contexts. In our workplaces, for instance, power dynamics can influence everything from who
gets promoted to who gets their ideas heard. It is crucial that we recognize these dynamics and
work to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Additionally, our choices as consumers also have political implications. The products we
buy and the companies we support can have an impact on issues such as environmental
sustainability, labor practices, and social justice. By choosing to support businesses that align
with our values, we can use our power as consumers to promote positive change. I believe that
this is a form of structural power. Structural power is a type of power that is built into social
structures and institutions, shaping the actions and decisions of individuals and groups. It refers
to the way that power is embedded in social relationships, norms, and institutions, influencing
the behavior and opportunities of those within those structures. The example I just mentioned
would form under economic structures. Another extreme example of this would be the structure
of capitalism that creates an economic system where wealth is concentrated among a few
individuals and corporations, while many people struggle to make ends meet.

Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that politics and power are not always fair or just.
Systems of oppression, such as racism and sexism, are deeply ingrained in our society, and they
can be difficult to overcome. It is crucial that we recognize these injustices and work to
dismantle them by challenging the status quo, speaking out against discrimination, and actively
working to create a more equitable world.

In conclusion, politics and power play a significant role in shaping our daily lives, from
the decisions made by our elected officials to the interactions we have with others. While these
systems may not always be fair, we can work to create positive change by staying informed,
being engaged, and actively working to challenge injustice. By doing so, we can help create a
world that is more just, equitable, and inclusive for everyone.
References:

Barnett, M., & Duvall, R., eds. (2004). Power in Global Governance. Cambridge University
Press.

Kerkvliet, B. “Introduction,” in Everyday Politics in the Philippines: Class and Status

Relations in a Central Luzon Village. Manila, Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University
Press, 2013.