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GCSE Sociology · key term
Influence that does not depend on holding an officially recognised position.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 2
Revise: Forms of Power and AuthorityInformal power does not depend on an official position. Suppose a pupil has no appointed leadership role but strongly influences what their friendship group does. Their influence might come from popularity or the respect others have for them.
Component 2
Power based on influence within everyday social relationships rather than an official position.
Formal/informal power and Weber’s authority types are different distinctions. A formally appointed leader may also inspire personal loyalty.
Do not classify power only by who exercises it: the same person can use both formal and informal power.
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Informal power comes from everyday social relationships rather than an official position. Its basis may be respect, admiration, approval or the desire to belong. People can therefore have considerable influence without holding a formal office.
