Barrett’s Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change
Power, Barrett proposes, is the capacity to participate knowingly in the nature of change
characterizing the continuous mutual process of people and their world. The observable,
measurable dimensions of power are awareness, choices, freedom to act intentionally, and
involvement in creating change (Barrett, 1983). There is no order in which these
dimensions occur, nor do they manifest in a lock-step fashion. In fact, they are inseparable
and continuously fluctuating (Barrett, 2004). The four dimensions are measured by 12
characteristics using the Power as Knowing Participation in Change Tool (PKPCT). These
characteristics are the belief systems that inhibit or enhance power by organizing life
decisions concerning how people participate in change.
The power theory elaborates M. Rogers' (1970) axiom that humans can participate
knowingly in change. According to Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings, humans
cannot not participate in change. However, when their participation is of a knowing nature,
this is what Barrett has defined as power (Barrett, 1986).
Power as knowing participation in change is being aware of what one is choosing to do,
feeling free to do it, and doing it intentionally. Awareness and freedom to act intentionally
guide participation in choices and involvement in creating change. It's the integral nature of
the power manifestations of awareness, choices, freedom, and involvement that constitutes
power. Power is freedom to make aware choices regarding involvement in life situations,
including health-promoting changes. Depending on the nature of that awareness and the
strength of the choices one makes, and how free one feels to act on their intentions, the
range of situations in which one is involved in creating change, as well as the manner in
which one knowingly participates vary (Barrett, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1990a, 1990b, 2003
). People can knowingly participate in creating their reality by actualizing some of their
potentials rather than others. They knowingly participate in creating what manifests as their
experience by being aware, making choices, feeling free to act on their intentions and
involving themselves in creating changes
Order Now