Theories of Structure of Power : 

Traditionally, power is considered in form of such capacity on the basis of which one side or group of people establish control over other side. There are many such groups in society which keep control over others with the help of their power. There are following four theories regarding the structure of power.

(I) Theory of Class Dominance : 

This theory is the contribution of Marxism. According to this theory, two groups are found on the basis of economic condition in the society and these are contradictory to each other. 

1. Economically powerful class 

2. Economically weak class. 

Since the beginning of human civilization, a continuous struggle is going on between these two classes. According to this theory each and every task of society is connected with economic gain. Even parents look after their children with economic point of view and the children too take care of parents with the same mentality.

(II) Special Class Theory : 

According to this theory the society is divided into two sections on the basis of power, 

(i) Powerful class, 

(ii) General class. 

The powerful class applies its power on general class. Skill, organisation power, intelligence, managing power, financial power and leading power are also some other forms of power on the basis of which our society is divided. 

On the basis of these abilites, a small class comes out from the society, which applies its power on general class. Political leaders, administrators, officers, industrialists, lawyers, professors, doctors etc. are example of this special class.

(III) Feminist Theory : 

This theory considers that the division of power in society is based on gender. Almost all the power of society is in the hands of men. They apply this power on women. On the basis of this theory, women’s freedom movement began in Europe. But in India, the situation is opposite. In our country, women are regarded as goddess and they are cared and respected more than men. Indian tradition support women’s pride rather than their freedom.

(IV) Pluralistic Theory : 

This theory is different from all the three theories given above. Pluralistic theory considers that the power of society is not present in a particular or special class but it is distributed in many groups. In liberal democratic system a kind of bargaining goes on for maintenance of peace due to which exploitation does not occur due to power. The Indian concept of power is based on the sense of responsibility. Indian concept suggests to use power for the sake of public welfare. It tries that powerless should become powerful and join with the main stream of society.