Power and privilege

Both power and privilege impact day to day lives of staff and students. You can reflect and recognise the privilege and power you hold and seek to reduce harm by engaging in active allyship.

Key definitions

Power - This is the ability or capacity to influence, control, or direct the behaviour, actions, or decisions of others. It can stem from various sources, such as authority, knowledge, resources, or relationships.

When power is concentrated at the top, marginalised groups face barriers to influence decision-making. Hierarchical structures may perpetuate biases, limiting opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and valued. This can lead to a lack of representation in leadership, reduced employee morale, poor student experience and missed innovation opportunities.

When in positions of power individuals often miss the needs, wants and feelings of others.

Privilege - This is a system of advantages often invisible to those who have it.

Abuse of power

Abuse of power can be seen across all areas of society, people in positions of power, using this to manipulate/pursued and coerce individuals into activities they do not feel comfortable with.

These abuses may be labelled as bullying, discrimination or harm, and where cultural norms of organisations can lead to an acceptance of humiliation or dehumanising behaviour.

This may look like unequal opportunities, excessive control, voices being minimised or ignored.

Creating a sense of belonging

To enable or support member of the community you can:

Try to recognise someone else perspective.
Be mindful of others.
Keep and teach an open mind.
Practice an attitude of acceptance.
Validate others

Start from a position of ‘do no harm’ and consider how you will nourish the perspectives of those around you. By understanding the roots of your thinking (position, privilege or power), the trunk of your behaviour beliefs about self, then your branches decision and actions that impact others.

Power sharing

Power sharing is essential for advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) by ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making. It addresses intersectionality, fosters inclusive communities, and promotes culturally responsive practices. Decentralising power enhances transparency and accountability, while critical self-reflection encourages continuous learning and recognition of biases. Data-driven equitable policies reduce disparities and promote fairness. Overall, power sharing creates a more democratic, inclusive, and innovative environment, leading to sustainable and equitable outcomes for all.

Power and privilege

Key definitions

Abuse of power

Creating a sense of belonging

Power sharing

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