Unit 3: Evaluation in plenary (30 minutes)
- The evaluation takes place in the chair circle in plenary.
- It should become clear that the Power Flower scheme refers to categorizations that are constructed and in their simplification do not adequately represent the complex reality – nevertheless, they are socially effective precisely in this form and closely linked to the distribution of privileges and access to resources. What is important here is that we are often forced to position ourselves or be positioned in this dualistic system.
- In addition, it is important to recognize that all individuals are positioned at the intersection of different differentiation categories, sometimes more in the privileged position, sometimes more in the non-privileged position.
- The discussion should include that it is important to know one’s own positioning when dealing with structures of oppression. Awareness and exchange about different positionings enables us to develop empathy for others and to act responsibly. It is not about provoking feelings of guilt because of ‘innate’ privileges, but to encourage a conscious handling of one’s own possibilities as well as to call for interpreting power also positively and using it for justice. Ways should be sought to actively counteract power asymmetries.
- How did you do with the exercise?
- Which assignment did you find difficult, which not? Why?
- Which affiliations/flower petals were you particularly unsure about? Why?
- How was the exchange in the small groups?
- How does it feel to be in the inner or outer group?
- Does your feeling agree with the Power Flower’s division into ‘privileged’ and ‘non-privileged’? Do they feel exactly as (non)privileged as shown in the Power Flower?
- Are there situations, contexts or groups in which the relations are shifting, in which does privilege become discrimination or vice versa?
- Does the same category have meaning for you in each context? (Contextuality of belonging.)
- Do the affiliations all mean the same to you, are you always aware of them? (Differences in the subjective significance of affiliations. ) Do the affiliations all carry the same weight in society? (Differences in the social significance of affiliations.)
At this point, you should point out that the meaning assigned to a differentiation category, both subjectively and socially, depends on the extent to which this category is occupied with attributions prevailing in society as a whole and is linked to institutionalized consequences. Some forms of discrimination have a long, violent history of oppression, which reinforces their impact (e.g. racism/colonialism: the “social” and the “political”): Racism/colonialism: The historical roots of today’s North-South relationship can be seen in the context of the system of slavery and material exploitation).
- Is the affiliation to the categories in the petals your own voluntary decision or was this affiliation assigned from ‘outside’? What are the consequences?
- Is the affiliation to the petals changeable?
- Can privileged/non-privileged affiliations entail other affiliations?
- How and when can we be powerful even in marginalised positions?
- How are you doing with your power or powerlessness and what can we do now with this analysis?
- How can you use your power positively? How can you use it to change the power imbalance?
- It is important to point out that power is not only something negative, ‘evil’, but also contains possibilities and resources. Here, reference can be made to the positive connotation of the term power in other languages (English “power”, French “pouvoir” etc.). Power can be used constructively, for example in the form of empowerment and power sharing (cf. “Internalisation of power relations (2): Alternatives to internalised dominance and internalised oppression”).