Foulkesian Authority: Another View. Response to Lecture by Morris Nitsun

Abstract

This article is inspired by the theme of the 2009 Foulkes lecture and these views on authority relations were presented at the Study Day that followed. Foulkes’ view of the ownership of power involves distinguishing the conductor’s executive powers that are retained versus those that are surrendered by being transferred to the group. Foulkes’ anti-authoritarianism is rationalized in his method. This is accompanied by a discussion of the relationships between group cultures, task and styles of leadership. The link between gender, authority and historical context and social unconscious is briefly explored. Questions are raised about theorizing that is based on the primal horde concept and the privileging of father figures.