Power analysis involves exploring different forms of power (visible, hidden and invisible; public, private and intimate) men and women have and how these are manifested.

Participatory tools for power analysis

• Chapatti diagram - One of the simplest ways of visualising power is through a Venn or chapatti diagram. This is a series of circles of different sizes, sometimes interconnecting and sometimes separate. The size of each circle represents the amount of power that a person or institution is seen to have. 
• Forcefield analysis - Forcefield analysis can be used to map the different forces that may help or hinder your work in relation to a particular issue.
• Gatekeeper tool - A Gatekeeper tool can be used to identify potential connections with the individuals who hold power in relation to a particular issue.

Some key questions for power analysis

• What level of control (ability to access or make decisions) do people living in poverty have over:
• economic resources (for example, land, finance, forests and machinery)?
• social resources (for example, information, groups or networks, religious or cultural institutions)?
• political resources (for example, ability to vote and participate in decision-making)?
• Who has most power over these resources formally and informally (or visibly/invisibly)?How are local power dynamics in respect of these resources connected to district level / national / international power dynamics?
• What are the power dynamics that affect decision making within households (between men / women / older generation / children etc.)
• What examples are there of people living in poverty gaining power, for example through organisation and mobilisation?
• What examples of positive/transformative use of power are there?

References

• Communication & Power, ActionAid International, 2003.
• People’s Action in Practice, ActionAid International, 2012, p. 213.