Explain the Macpherson's view on power.

Macpherson's Conception of Power: Extractive vs. Developmental

Macpherson fundamentally distinguished between two types of power:

• Extractive Power: This refers to the ability to extract benefits or resources from others. In liberal capitalist societies, Macpherson argued, power is largely extractive, concentrated in the hands of those who own capital and property. This system allows a few to exploit the labour and capacities of the many, leading to inequality and limiting the freedom and development of the majority. He critiqued how economic power often translates into political power, influencing decisions and policies to maintain the status quo.
• Developmental Power: In contrast, Macpherson envisioned developmental power as the capacity to realize one's full human potential and actively participate in shaping society. True democracy, for him, should aim to enhance this developmental power by ensuring that individuals have equitable opportunities to grow, exercise their intellectual and manual capacities, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This form of power is about self-development and empowerment, rather than domination or exploitation.

Critique of Possessive Individualism and Liberal Democracy

Macpherson’s critique of power is intrinsically linked to his concept of "possessive individualism." He argued that:

• Individual as Proprietor: The possessive individual sees themselves as the sole owner of their skills and capacities, which are treated as commodities to be bought and sold in the market. This worldview fosters a selfish pursuit of consumption and accumulation.
• Distortion of Freedom: In a possessive market society, freedom is often defined negatively, as freedom from interference, rather than positively, as the ability to develop one's capacities. This limited view of freedom perpetuates inequalities, as many lack the resources or opportunities to genuinely exercise their potential.
• Liberal Democracy's Flaw: Macpherson contended that liberal democracies, built upon these market assumptions, perpetuate inequalities by prioritizing property rights over broader human rights and collective well-being. He argued that the political system, while appearing democratic, often serves to protect the economic interests of the dominant class, thereby suffocating "developmental democracy."

Vision for a True Democracy

To overcome the limitations of possessive individualism, Macpherson advocated for a radical revision of liberal democratic theory:

• Redistribution of Power and Resources: He believed that true freedom and democratic participation require a more equitable distribution of power and resources. This includes economic democracy, where power is not monopolized by elites, and individuals have a real say in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
• Participatory Democracy: Macpherson supported models of participatory democracy where citizens are directly involved in governance, allowing for a collective exercise of developmental power. This would enable individuals to use their capacities for self-development and the common good, rather than having their abilities extracted for others' benefit.
• Humanistic Vision of Socialism: His work aimed to restore a humanistic vision to socialism and to subject liberalism to a rigorous analysis of class-mediated societies, emphasizing the need to detach democracy from capitalism to achieve its promise of equality of self-development.