Power dynamics in intergroup relations

Abstract

Power and intergroup relations are complex, multilevel, and dynamic. Using Power Basis Theory, we explain our criteria for deciding whether theory or research addresses intergroup power dynamics: it must (a) address power and not authority or other topics, (b) involve attempted or real change regarding groups and power, or the prevention of change, (c) involve protracted interactions among multiple actors through more than one channel, (d) involve more than one level of social organization (e.g. person, group, superordinate group). We organize our 10-year review by these criteria. Research meeting all our criteria is rare. We explain relevant new theory and new research tools, including multi-level modelling, multi-player games, agent-based models, big data, and machine-learning, that can help fill the gap.