Power And Status Struggles: A Hierarchical Perspective Of Conflict In Groups

Abstract

Power and status, two distinct yet related bases of social hierarchy, are intensely sought resources in groups. In this article, we propose a theoretical framework that examines how power and status motives of individuals lead to intragroup struggles. We differentiate between power/status contest and power/status conflicts, and present propositions on how they are related to one another. Drawing on tenets from sociology and psychology, we integrate these phenomena, and propose a process by which they shape group dynamics. We examine how perceptions of socio-structural variables (legitimacy, stability and permeability of hierarchy) moderate the effect of power struggle on status struggle, and power/status contest on conflict. Lastly, we highlight the implications for intragroup conflict research.