Power Mapping

Power mapping is a process of identifying and analysing power relations and power asymmetries that determine the access and the control over local resources and/or shape unfavourable conditions for specific local groups. By mapping and ranking the actors (people and institutions) in terms of power and capacity to influence particular developments and conditions, the method enables the understanding of the divergent interests and the roots of differentiated - and sometimes uneven -power dynamics. Implemented as a participatory process in research and community building projects, it can become a tool for marginalized groups to reflect on the resources that are relevant to their well-being and to comprehend the power relations and the motives that affect the access to these resources. Moreover, the analysis of power among local actors and the identification of the different areas and aspects of influence and control aims to the deeper understanding of the obstacles and opportunities for political engagement and citizen involvement. In this way, power mapping can facilitate the discussion of possible strategies and actions and can be an early step to reverse unfair agency distribution and give solutions to the targeted problem(s).

Tags/ keywords: Method, Qualitative methods, Power analysis, Power matrix, Stakeholders matrix.