Power dynamics

Blackburn (2003) worked with queer youth at the Loft, a center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Although the youth at the center were trying to escape marginalization from the society outside of the center (especially at school and at home), marginalization of certain groups (in particular the transgender members of the Loft) occurred within the center, as well. I found the discussion of power dynamics in this article really thought-provoking. Is it ever possible (in an organization, in society, in a school/classroom) to NOT have power differences and still get things accomplished? Is it a question of being aware of power differences? Even though certain individuals may have more power to act than others, mutual respect still exists? And those without the power to actually act have the power to influence those who have the power to act? I’ve had plenty of conversations with students about how a speaker has no role unless there are listeners and a leader has no role unless there are people to follow her – thus the listeners and followers in a group play vital roles in a group, but they are often overlooked. The issue is not that one role is more important or better than another, but that they are just different…