The therapy of power and the power of therapy

Constructivism's ontology-based epistemology considers reality an expression of strictly subjective cognitive processes. Taking the conceptpower as an example, theeigen-dynamics of connecting these subjective constructions of reality in the socialization process are compared with this ontological epistemology. The qualities of such dynamics cannot be concluded from ontology. An alternative approach is taken here which proceeds from a sociological orientation, describes the structure and dynamics of power relations in the differentiation process of social systems, and applies to families and family therapy for an example. The conclusion draws attention to the necessity of a critical notion of power to permit discussion of ethical questions in the context of systems theory as well.Originally published as part of a special issue on the power metaphor guestedited by Klaus G. Deissler inZeitschrift fur systemische Therapie (1986),4, 243–252. Translated by S. Awodey.