"…there is an important difference between the two: in the
one case, A openly participates; in the other, he participates only in the
sense that he works to sustain those values and rules of procedure that help
him keep certain issues out of the public domain."
The authors introduced us to the two faces of power. The first is
represented when someone openly participates in the making of a decision. The
second face we learn is much more allusive. The Pluralist successfully
uncovered the first of the two faces but their flawed methodology prevented
them from uncovering the second face of power. The authors understood the
importance of clarifying the difference between the two faces because they
realized that pluralist were unsuccessful at making such vital distinction,
hindering their capability of discovering the additional face. The second face
of power is represented when someone indirectly participates in keeping certain
issues out of public domain and out of discussion. The second face of power
often goes undetected because when maneuvered most successfully the action, or
lack of action in these such cases, should not be linked to decisions arrived
on those certain issues. While the first face of power requires action the
second face is often donned by someone who tactically chooses inactivity in
effort to further their agenda.
Pluralist believe that power is defined by participation in
decision-making. This quote clarifies why this definition is only partially
correct. We realize that power is not something that can be measured strictly
through physical entities, as had been done by pluralist. We must take into
account a person's decision to remain inactive, as this decision can be as
influential to the final decision as any action that can be seen or heard. Whether we realize it or not, moments we
choose not to act are often as influential to the decision making process as
moments we choose to express our opinions or thoughts through words or actions.
The choice to remain inactive often pushes a topic away from discussion and
this in itself in a result or decision made.
