Different Forms and Sources of Power and Authority

Coercive Power is associated with the use of force or threat to make people do as the powerholder wants. This form of power is typical in dictatorships or authoritative regimes.
Reward Power comes from being able to offer something in return, such as money or status. This form is often seen in employment relationships where managers have power over workers.
Legitimate Power or authority is based on the social norms and rules within a society, where one’s position grants them power. Government officials often hold this type of power.
Expert Power is gained through knowledge, skills, or expertise in a certain domain, which others lack. Doctors, scientists, and other experts hold this form of power.
Referent Power refers to the power someone possesses because others admire, respect or identify with them. Celebrities often possess referent power.

Traditional Authority: Here, authority comes from established customs, traditions, or societal norms. Leaders often get their authority from heredity, as seen in monarchies.
Charismatic Authority: This type of authority arises from an individual’s charisma or personal magnetism. Many cult leaders or revolutionary leaders exercise this type of authority.
Rational-legal Authority: This type of authority is based on established laws and rules and the belief in their legitimacy. Elected officials, judges, and anyone bestowed with authority via a legal process possess this type of authority.

The ability to exercise power and authority plays a vital role in social differentiation and stratification.
Often those who hold power or authority belong to higher social strata and their decisions could perpetuate or exacerbate social inequalities.
It’s also important to consider the intersectionality of power and authority with other factors such as gender, race, class, and age. Different forms of power or authority can interact with these factors to create layered stratification in society.
For instance, a middle-class white woman might hold expert power in her professional field but face gender discrimination, affecting her overall standing in society’s stratification.
It’s also evident in societies operating on traditional authority, where power is often concentrated in the hands of a certain class or family, contributing to entrenched class systems.
Those in authority can use their power to challenge or reinforce social stratification. For example, laws aiming to promote equality can weaken established stratifications.