Forum Disenfranchised Authority’
‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ is an old saying which everyone might have heard about. But then there are some petty instances where even powerless officers and individuals are seen trying to exercise power. Basically, those who feel powerless might attempt to assert power in small ways, such as seeking dominance in workplaces or some other. Some examples of dominance at work place could be calling officers' meetings during Monday morning and scolding officers who come to meetings bare hand without file(s) and even if the junior officials carry some irrelevant files to the meeting that is satisfactory, but should not come empty handed. Secondly, if a junior wishes a senior, no response is received from the other end and if the junior does not wish, then it is said the latter has attitude or arrogance, etc. Such tendencies often stem from a desire to assert control or influence their environment, especially in the face of oppression or marginalization. There are such officers who may not have any ability to speak in some delegation or outside office, except just dominating their juniors. People who feel powerless may resort to different strategies, both positive and negative, to gain a sense of empowerment. This show of power by otherwise powerless people is often a way of coping with feelings of inadequacy, frustration, or vulnerability. It reflects an underlying need for respect, control, and recognition.
Such powerless people or disenfranchised authority may try to show power for several reasons, most of which are rooted in basic human psychology, the need for self-preservation, and the desire to gain control over their circumstances. People who feel powerless often experience a lack of control over their environment or their lives. In an attempt to regain some measure of autonomy or influence, they may try to show power, even in small or symbolic ways. This is a way of asserting themselves in situations where they otherwise feel worthless or insignificant.
Individuals may also seek to establish power within smaller social circles or subgroups where they can exert influence, even if they lack broader societal power and this can be termed as ‘Micro-power’. This can be seen in informal networks or groups where people can feel more empowered by gaining influence or leadership even within confined spaces.
Many of us might have come across or faced much such authoritative behaviour by the powerless people in our day-to-day life, be it during a visit to bank, hospitals or even while parking one’s vehicle. For example, just for requesting for an account opening form in a bank the concerned person at the desk, whether he or she be a messenger or a clerk will show authority asking to come after some time or make us wait just for handing over a blank account opening form lying just behind his or her desk. They just find some kind of contentment or happiness in making the public wait or as if some ounces of blood in their body gets produced by such authoritative behaviour. Similar is the case in hospitals where one stands in queue after taking a token and finds that there are many cases which are handled first from behind the desk with no token whatsoever or the official is busy speaking on mobile without any regard to the long queue. One may try to park a vehicle and there may be very rare occasions when some or the other person might not come to not allow parking, whether that person be a chowkidar in front of some building or a helper in a shop or vendor.
In some unfortunate cases, powerless individuals may resort to coercive or manipulative tactics as they try to exert power. This can manifest in toxic behaviour, where someone who feels powerless in the larger context attempts to gain control in unhealthy ways, perhaps by bullying or dominating those who are even more vulnerable.
In all of these situations, the key dynamic is the drive for autonomy, dignity, and a sense of agency. However, the manner in which power is exercised can vary greatly based on the resources, opportunities, and moral frameworks available to those who feel disenfranchised.
Subbiah Sridhar
Creative Freelancer & Former Indian Diplomat
