The Theory of Power in Takada's Sociology

Abstract

1. According to Takada's theory, sociology is regarded as a specific social science which seeks for general-abstract laws about relations between persons especially about associations. His stress is on the importance of explaining irrational factors as the basis of all relations between persons, with inner-sided understanding of motives of individuals.
2. Takada's standpoint is clearly showed in the fundamental characteristics of his theory of power where the “power=macht” is defined as “an ability to have one obey”. The power relation in his theory consists of “the will of power” as a need of the superiority of indefinitely expanding self and “the instinct of subordination” seeking subordination for its sake. Concerning the psychological disposition as the basis of power, fundamental importance is attached to the irrational characteristics which seek for the power relation for its own sake. As for the basic tendency of power relation, the power realized by having others obey indirectly or inductively is thought to become superior to the power realized by voluntary obedience of others and enforcement to others and the class distance is regarded to become shortened, because of the constant increase of population accompanied with the decreasing intensity of social associations.
3. The power theory in Takada's sociology explained above is highly evaluated even today in its keen understanding of purely “interpersonal” irrational factors as basic factors of the formation and change of power. One of our future research subjects succeeded Takada's theory is an investigation of particular types of various power forms with new empirical facts in our mind, focusing on the rational factors typically represented in modern society.