'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely'. Analyse the sociological significance of the statement.

Power is the ability to influence others in a command action even agaist the will of others.

Absolute power denotes no restrictions on one's domination

On a national level, it breeds authoritarianism (e.g Myanmar military rule) where excesses are done agaist agitating crowds.

In a family, absolute power of patriarch denies autonomy to mother, wife & daughter.

Germaine Greer shows this triple exploitation in family.

Even Democracy is based on the idea of controlling this absolute power. Restrictions of fundamental rights in Constitution prevents despotism.

Classical scholars like Montesquieu gave concept of separation of power for this reason.

Marx's idea of exploitative Capitalism also denotes absolute power of capitalists to fire at will. Today, it is controlled using labour laws.

Power can show the latent side of a despot.