Power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategical situation in a particular society.

Summary

This quote by French sociologist Michel Foucault suggests that power does not exist as a fixed entity or an inherent characteristic within individuals or institutions. Instead, power is a concept that arises from the interplay of strategies and dynamics within a given societal context. It implies that power is not just about having authority or physical strength, but about the ability to influence and shape social realities through strategic maneuvers and interactions. Thus, power is depicted here as a nuanced and fluid concept, dependent on the complexities of social relations.