Coercive Power in Social Exchange

Exchange theorists traditionally exclude punishment and coercion from their analyses; but Molm examines whether they can be included.

Linda D. Molm (Author)

9780521574617, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 January 1997

332 pages, 14 b/w illus.
21.1 x 13.7 x 2.3 cm, 0.42 kg

"This fine book offers us strong science and particularly useful knowledge....it will be valuable for graduate students. It should be required reading for anyone interested in social exchange or power." Cecilia L. Ridgeway, Contemporary Sociology

This book describes the progression and results of a decade-long program of experimental research on power in social exchange relations. Exchange theorists have traditionally excluded punishment and coercion from the scope of their analyses; but Molm examines whether exchange theory can be expanded to include reward and coercive power. Working within the framework of Emerson's power-dependence theory, but also drawing on the decision theory concepts of strategic action and loss aversion, Molm develops and tests a theory that emphasizes the interdependence of reward and coercive power. Her work shows that they are fundamentally different, not only in their effects on behavior, but also in the structural incentive to use power and the risks of power use. When exchanges are negotiated and secured by the 'shadow of the future,' rather than by binding agreements, dependence both encourages and constrains the use of coercion.

Preface and acknowledgments
1. Introduction and overview
2. Social exchange and power
3. Punishment and coercion
4. An experimental setting for studying power in exchange relations
5. The early research: experimental tests and theoretical puzzles
6. The structural determination of power use
7. Dependence and risk: structural constraints on strategic power use
8. Injustice and risk: normative constraints on strategic power use
9. The effects of coercion: compliance or conflict?
10. A theory of coercion in social exchange
11. Conclusions and implications
Appendix I. Definitions of basic concepts of social exchange
Appendix II. The experimental instructions for the standardized setting
Notes
References.

Subject Areas: Social theory [JHBA]