Change the World Without Taking Power

By John Holloway

Subjects: Communism and society, The State, Social change, State, the, Marxian school of sociology

Description: Change the World Without Taking Power: The Meaning of Revolution Today is a book by John Holloway that looks at the understanding of power as the central focal point of how to effect meaningful change. Holloway uses two definitions of power, 'power-over' and 'power-to' in order to understand the difference between power from authority, power over someone else, and the power to do something, the capacity for action. Holloway argues we should never simply assume the legitimacy of anything with 'power-over' someone else and goes as far as saying this is true for the state - we should not 'fetishise' the state to the extent of simply assuming its role, responsibilities, and authority.