Domination, Authority and Law

One of the more interesting puzzles in sociology is why domination -- a relationship where costs and benefits are distributed unequally -- so often proceeds smoothly, without constant friction, rather than through open confrontation. Part of the answer lies simply in the fact that dominant groups hold power, and power alone can extract cooperation. But power that rests purely on the threat of force tends to be unstable and costly to maintain. What makes domination durable and "smooth" over long stretches of time is legitimation: the process by which power comes to be accepted as proper, just, and fitting -- part of the prevailing social contract, rather than something imposed by brute force alone.

Max Weber gave a precise name to this idea: authority is legitimate power -- power that is considered justified. A police officer, a judge, and a school teacher each hold different, clearly bounded forms of authority tied to their official roles, usually specified in writing. Crucially, this authority is not unlimited -- it applies only within its proper domain. A judge commands obedience inside the courtroom but is an ordinary citizen outside it, where she is expected to defer to the lawful authority of a police officer. A police officer has authority over the public conduct of citizens while on duty, but no jurisdiction over their private activities unless there is suspicion of unlawful conduct. A teacher's authority extends over pupils in the classroom but stops at the boundary of the pupil's home, where parents or guardians hold primary authority. …