Synopses & Reviews
This book describes the progression and results of a decade-long experiment on power in social exchange relations. Exchange theorists have traditionally excluded punishment and coercion from their analyses; but Molm examines whether exchange theory can be expanded to include reward and coercive power. She develops and tests a theory that emphasizes the interdependence of reward and coercive power, finding that they are fundamentally different, not only in their effects on behavior, but also in the incentive and the risks of power use.
Review
"The book represents a model of...disciplined theory construction." Karen S. Cook, American Journal of Sociology"This fine book offers us strong science and particularly useful knowledge....it will be valuable for graduate students. It should be required reading for anyone interested in social exchange or power." Cecilia L. Ridgeway, Contemporary Sociology
Synopsis
Exchange theorists traditionally exclude punishment and coercion from their analyses; but Molm examines whether they can be included.
Table of Contents
Preface and Acknowledgments; 1. Introduction and overview; 2. Social exchange and power; 3. Punishment and coercion; 4. An experimental setting for studying power in exchange relations; 5. The early research: experimental tests and theoretical puzzles; 6. The structural determination of power use; 7. Dependence and risk: structural constraints on strategic power use; 8. Injustice and risk: normative constraints on strategic power use; 9. The effects of coercion: compliance or conflict?; 10. A theory of coercion in social exchange; 11. Conclusions and implications; Appendix I. Definitions of basic concepts of social exchange; Appendix II. The experimental instructions for the standardized setting; Notes; References.