Sharing Power- Week Seven

When there is a power struggle in a relationship, one person dominates the other. Abigal and Cahn state that, "to improve the conflict climate, change in the power dimension needs to come from the powerful people, such as bosses, parents and other older family members, and teachers. They must value the input of others to seek to focus on resolving problems" (107). It is important to work together when solving conflicts. The book states that there are several ways to avoid abusing power:

1. Give up some of the more obvious power resources and symbols of authority. 

2. Make power resources available to everyone in the group.

3. Increase levels of interest.

4. The dominating person can give power to the relationship.

When I was younger I was a very bossy to my sister. Because I was older than her, I felt I had more authority and had the ability to "make the rules". This actually led to more conflict because my sister felt that she had no voice in the relationship. As I got older I was able to understand that I was abusing my power as an older sister, and tried to change it. Now, my sister and I hardly ever get into arguments. Because I show that I respect my sister despite our 6 year age difference, we are able to have a relationship where there is no power struggle.