Social power and the self. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Serena
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 33(2020)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.07.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: There are many points of intersection between social power and the self. Recent work sheds new light on how power shapes various forms of self-expression. There are bidirectional links between social power and authenticity. Mounting data speak to how power shapes self-construal. Various factors determine whether power enhances self versus other focus. Abstract : Separate literatures exist on social power, status, and hierarchy on the one hand, and the self on the other, but important points of intersection have emerged over the past several decades. This paper reviews recent developments at the interface between social power (and related constructs) and the self. These developments orbit around two broad questions. First, how does social power influence self-expression (e.g. does power enhance or diminish subjective feelings of authenticity)? And second, does social power shift one's orientation toward the self or toward others (e.g. does power lead people to construe the self in more independent or interdependent terms)? I conclude by suggesting possible future directions on the link between social power and self-related processes and phenomena.