Power

Interestingly, not everyone agrees about what power is. Many assume that power is the ability to use your agency or authority over yourself or others. That leads many to believe that in organizations and systems, power is held by the people "in charge." But others argue that everyone has some degree of power, and that power is more akin to influence, and that influence can change depending on various contexts and identities. You can read more here (optional) and listen to Dr. Richard Baker discuss the concept below.

Who has Power? with Dr. Richard A Baker

In this brief interview, Dr. Baker discusses power in organizations and how it shows up at all levels and with all roles, not just within leaders or the C-suite. He also shares why understanding the power that you have is important for equity.

Who has Power_ With Dr. Richard A. Baker - Transcript-1.pdf

Dr. Richard Anthony Baker

Dr. Richard Anthony Baker’s involvement in diversity and equal opportunity matters spans more than 20 years. Dr. Baker transitioned to Rice University in August 2019 and became the Executive Director for Institutional Equity, EO/AA, and Title IX. In this role, Dr. Baker’s responsibilities include assessing the University’s diversity management effectiveness, specifically in the area of recruitment and retention of diverse personnel. Additionally, Dr. Baker is the President of the Board for the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity (AAAED) which is the oldest operating national association serving equal opportunity professionals.

Power + Privilege

This video, produced by the University of Colorado's School of Social Work, discusses various identities--such as gender, gender identity, language, race and ethnicity--and how social structures reinforce inequity based on identity. It also discusses how identity can fuel counternarratives, or stories that challenge prevailing narratives about marginalized groups, that can help mitigate and challenge oppression.

Student Voices

So far, we've learned from education and diversity, equity and inclusion experts about identity, power, and privilege, but students have a lot to say about these issues. TikTok, a social media app popular among Gen Z and Millenials, is full of content in which young people share their thoughts about identity, power and privilege, among the latest dance crazes and trends. Below are a few such voices.

TikTok video by 17-year-old high school student Jaeden discussing identity, power, and intersectionality

TikTok video of UT Austin undergraduate student Adrienne sharing examples of misgendering*

*"Misgendering" transgender people means referring to them by the pronoun they do not identify with. "Deadnaming" a transgender person means calling them by the name they no longer identify with. Both are harmful to the mental health and well-being of trans people. Research shows that using trans youth's chosen names reduces their risk of depression and suicide. To learn more, read this article about Dr. Stephen Russell's research. (optional)

Recap

Definitions of terms discussed in module
Terms	Definitions
Power	Control, authority, or influence over others; everyone has some degree of it
Intersectionality	The interconnected nature of social categories such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. The term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, although the concepts have been described previously by such thinkers and academics as Angela Davis, bell hooks, and Patricia Hill Collins.
Misgendering	Refer to (someone, especially a transgender person) using a word, especially a pronoun or form of address, that does not correctly reflect the gender with which they identify
Systemic Inequities	Inequities within institutions and systems of power, such as places of employment, government agencies, educational systems, and social services.
Privilege	Special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
Equity	Everyone is provided with what they need to succeed.