Third Dimension of Power

I am currently reading Lukes' book 'Power: A Radical View' for my weekly essay.

The main point of Lukes' book is that there is a third dimension of power that previous political theorists have ignored: it is, essentially, the power to shape people's preferences.

On a social level, for example, leaders, advertising and mass media can shape people's preferences. This also, I think, applies to the interpersonal relationships. My behaviour affects, to a varying degree, the behaviour of others - regardless of our intentions. In other words, we have a certain amount of power over other individuals. My arguments may persuade other people to act in a certain manner; if I am kind to others then those watching may be more likely to be kind themselves; and the angry parent is more likely to bring up an angry child.

In sum, we are constantly influencing those around us, and I contest that this is a form of power. Sometimes we are directly influencing others (e.g. via arguments), while at other times it is indirect and possibly unintentional. It is worth being aware, I think, of how we influence others.