Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

How prevalent are power dynamics in social interaction? How does the interplay of power dynamics manifest across different social contexts? What ethical considerations may arise when utilizing power dynamics in these social contexts?

Teaching Suggestion: In The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene addresses power dynamics and how they can be used to aid in obtaining and maintaining power. Green has received criticism for his controversial approach to power dynamics; in their review, for example, Kirkus indicated “the book is simply nonsense”—unless designed as a satire. Students may find it helpful to speculate on the degree to which power dynamics impact different kinds of relationships (business, family, personal) before answering the questions in a reading journal or a small group. Information from these or similar resources can help students develop additional context on the topic.

• This 4-minute video describes the prevalence of power dynamics in social interaction with examples from daily life and media.
• This article explores power dynamics in the workplace, specifically citing the five “bases of power” used to influence individuals.