Domination

Definition

Domination refers to the exercise of power and control over others, often in a hierarchical or authoritative manner. It involves the ability to influence, subjugate, or impose one's will on individuals or groups, typically through the use of force, coercion, or unequal access to resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Domination can manifest in various forms, including political, economic, social, and cultural domination.
2. The human relations movement aimed to challenge the traditional hierarchical structures and authoritarian management practices that promoted domination in the workplace.
3. Domination can lead to the marginalization and oppression of individuals or groups, often based on factors such as race, gender, class, or ethnicity.
4. The concept of domination is closely linked to the exercise of power and the ability to control resources, decision-making processes, and the actions of others.
5. Overcoming domination and promoting more collaborative and inclusive approaches is a key focus of the human relations movement and other social and organizational reform efforts.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of domination relates to the human relations movement.
  • The human relations movement sought to challenge the traditional hierarchical structures and authoritarian management practices that promoted domination in the workplace. The movement aimed to foster more collaborative and inclusive approaches, recognizing the importance of addressing power imbalances and promoting the well-being and engagement of workers. By challenging the dominance of management over employees, the human relations movement advocated for a more balanced and equitable distribution of power within organizations.
• Describe the various forms that domination can take and how they can impact individuals and groups.
  • Domination can manifest in political, economic, social, and cultural forms. Politically, domination can involve the exercise of power by those in positions of authority to control and subjugate others. Economically, domination can be seen in the unequal distribution of resources and the ability of some groups to exploit or marginalize others. Socially, domination can lead to the marginalization and oppression of individuals or groups based on factors such as race, gender, class, or ethnicity. Culturally, domination can involve the imposition of dominant norms, values, and beliefs on subordinate groups, often eroding their own cultural identities and traditions. These various forms of domination can have significant negative impacts on the well-being, autonomy, and opportunities of those who are subjected to it.
• Analyze how the concept of domination relates to the key principles and goals of the human relations movement.
  • The human relations movement was largely a response to the traditional hierarchical and authoritarian management practices that promoted domination in the workplace. The movement sought to challenge the power imbalances and unequal distribution of control that characterized many organizations at the time. By advocating for more collaborative and inclusive approaches, the human relations movement aimed to empower workers, foster their engagement and well-being, and promote a more equitable distribution of power. The movement recognized that domination, whether in the form of political, economic, social, or cultural control, could have detrimental effects on employees and undermine organizational effectiveness. Overcoming domination and promoting more democratic and participatory practices was thus a central goal of the human relations movement, as it sought to create more humane and fulfilling work environments.

Related terms

Power: The capacity to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

Subordination: The act of placing someone or something in a lower rank or position of importance, power, or control.

Hierarchy: A system of organization in which people or things are ranked according to status or authority.