Power‐Dependence Theory

Power‐dependence theory is the name commonly given to the social exchange theory originally formulated by Richard Emerson (1962, 1972a, 1972b). As the name suggests, the dynamics of the theory revolve around power, power use, and power‐balancing operations, and rest on the central concept of dependence . Mutual dependence brings people together; that is, to the extent that people are mutually dependent, they are more likely to form exchange relations and groups and to continue in them. Inequalities in dependence create power imbalances that can lead to conflict and social change.